Impressive show by Dubai at Leisure-2006

Participating for the ninth consecutive year, the Dubai stand remained the focus of attention at the show held on 20,000 square metres of exhibition space at the Crocus Expo in Moscow.

Marking a substantial growth over the last year when the Dubai stand had only 40 booths and 55 co-participants, this year's participation resulted in 44 booths and 61 co-participants.

Leisure-2006 is a leading yearly trade show which signals the beginning of the winter season for the Russian tourism industry.

The DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, who represented the department at the show, said: "We accord great value to the Russian market. We could further promote Dubai as a year-round business and leisure destination. Our strong commitment to high quality and standards of service had a strong support in Russia. The increasing number of Russian visitors is a clear proof of Dubai's popularity."

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) shared the reception area of the massive Dubai stand which won the visitors' attention and helped in highlight the best of annual recreation extravaganza.

Dubai's major hotels, tour operators, Destination Management companies, and public sector organizations also shared the 280 square metres stand.

Dubai's stand succeeded in leaving a significant impression of the emirate. Last year's show recorded 967 exhibitors and a representation of 67 countries. Remarkably, 85% of them were trade visitors.

In 2005, Dubai hotels and hotel apartments received over 422,000 guests from the Russia, CIS and Baltics, more than 4% than the previous year. There was 10% growth in the number of Russian passengers using the Dubai International Airport in 2005.

The number of weekly flights between Dubai and Russia grew to 38 in 2005, up from just six in 2002. The number of tour operators featuring Dubai in this market during 2005-2006 is 830, which is 38% more than the previous year. The first half of 2006 too recorded impressive growth levels.