DTCM wins Galileo Express Travel and Tourism Award

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has bagged the first-ever Galileo Express Travel and Tourism Award in the ‘Best International Tourism Board’ category after beating eight other nominees including Australia, Austria, Britain, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Switzerland and Malaysia.

The advisory board formulated the criteria for the award in consultation with the renowned audit firm, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, which used both a subjective and objective methodology that included a polling process. The awards criteria took into consideration factors like revenue generated, operational efficiency, reach of service, perceived service levels, and the ability to retain and increase market share.

The DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, said: “Dubai’s growing stature as the perfect and safest year-round destination for business and leisure has been receiving the global travel industry’s resounding approval. This award is another big honour for Dubai and it is really a matter of great pride to win in an intense competition. Awards stimulate us to further our efforts to enhance the international profile of Dubai.”

Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, said: “We consider India as an important market with tremendous growth potential. The first half of 2003 witnessed over 13 per cent increase in visitors coming to Dubai from India, compared with the corresponding period last year. In 2002, the number of Indian guests in Dubai hotel establishments increased by 37.19 per cent compared with the year 2001.”

DTCM has been operating in India for the last six years and the office has been playing an important role in boosting bilateral ties by promoting the opportunities that Dubai offers to both business and tourism.

The department has been pursuing an aggressive marketing and promotional agenda to achieve the goal of attracting 15 million tourists by the year 2010. 

On behalf of the DTCM, Mr. Carl Vaz, Country Head - India, received the award from the Indian Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Jagmohan, at a grand ceremony held in New Delhi recently. The Indian Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Mr. Rajiv Pratap Rudy, was also present.