Dubai works its way through Europe on tourism roadshow

A series of roadshows in Germany, UK, France and Switzerland have been organized by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as part of its ongoing efforts to further promote and capitalize on its popularity in the European market. The six-day roadshows (23rd May-28th May) in London, Paris, Frankfurt and Zurich have 21 co-participants who will be focusing on Dubai as a destination.

DTM Director Operations and Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb said that said these roadshows will act as a catalyst and a channel to place Dubai at the center stage of the European travel trade market. "Staging these events will give further boost to our tourism activities and visitors can exploit the up-to date facilities and resources, the emirate offers, " stated Mr. bin Hareb.

He said that the department regards Europe as a main target and the increase in the number of hotel and hotel apartment guests from this market speaks about the affect such promotions have created in the European market. "The first quarter of 2003 (January-March) hotel establishment guests from Europe registered an appreciable increase of 15.37 per cent compared to the corresponding first quarter of last year," he said.

 Mr. bin Hareb commented "We are expecting about 250 travel trade visitors in Paris and more than 200 decision makers will be present in the events in UK, Germany and Switzerland".

Mr. bin Hareb observed that tourists are increasingly looking for safe and secure destinations, which should also offer the best facilities. "We are creating further awareness about Dubai in key overseas markets to increase our market share by attracting more tourists. The road shows and trade-only workshops will facilitate effective networking for the industry professionals from the emirate and these countries," he added.

In addition to this, DTCM will also have an award for 'The Best Co-Participant Table Presentation' during the roadshows.

Emirates Airlines and Air France are providing four return air tickets each for the raffle draws to be conducted for the workshop participants. The raffle winners will be offered a four-day holiday packages in Dubai, which includes desert safari, dune dinner, and city tour.