Bin Sulayem visits Dubai stand at TOP RESA-2006; reviews French market strategy

This was the 17th consecutive year participation by the DTCM at the 28-year-old exhibition. Dubai Stand measured 50 square metres and featured booths by 10 co-participants.

The DTCM Deputy Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Saleh Al Geziry, and the DTCM Paris Office Director, Mr. Pascal Maigniez, welcomed Mr. bin Sulayem who was accompanied by the DTCM Manager Media Relations, Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman.

The official briefed Mr. bin Sulayem about the highlights of the stand and programmes and services offered to the co-participants and visitors. He also visited the DTCM Paris office and reviewed the market strategy and different plans to promote and market Dubai in this promising market.

There has been 23 per cent increase in French guest at Dubai hotels and hotel apartments in the year 2005 compared with the previous year. Similarly, 27 % growth was recorded in the number of French passengers utilizing the Dubai International Airport during 2005 as against the previous year.

The number of French companies operating out of Dubai has jumped by 27 per cent last year.

There was seven per cent increase in the number of French tour operators featuring Dubai in their holiday packages.

As many as 73 weekly flights are presently available between Dubai and the two French cities of Paris and Nice.

Top Resa is a crucial trade exhibition to tap the French market. Last year's edition attracted 390 exhibitors and 1360 brands were presented, of which 33 % were French.

Nearly 16,000 trade professional from all over France visited the exhibition.

This year's Dubai co-participants were Alpha Tours, ANTA Events, Arabian Getaway Tourism, Fox Tours, Jebel Ali International Hotels, Net Group, One & Only Royal Mirage, Rida International Tourism, SNTTA Emir Tours and Sofitel Le Palace Old Town Island.