Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing takes largest ever stand at the Arabian Travel Market 2003

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) with 80 co-participants will showcase the emirate's amenities and facilities on a wide scale to a large number of decision makers and serious visitors from various sectors, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). It is for the ninth consecutive time the department is participating in the ATM, which will be held at Airport Expo (6th May- 9th May 2003).

DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb who chaired the pre-fair meeting for ATM held at the department's Head Office said that the event would further enhance Dubai's status as a top world-class destinations. "ATM is an exhibition dedicated to the international travel and tourism industry. It is a leading travel industry event for the Middle East. Embracing the whole region, including all GCC states, ATM is the premier regional business forum for inbound, outbound and intra-regional tourism," said Mr. bin Hareb.

DTCM stand space, which is 460 sq.m is not only the biggest in the exhibition but is also the largest ever stand space taken by the department in any of its exhibitions regionally or overseas. "This speaks volumes about the significance we attach to this event. Judging the popularity of the event and importance it commands in the global travel and tourism sector, the  number of co-participants has gone up simultaneously resulting in increase in stand space. Last year, the department had 30-participants attending the event under its umbrella against 80 this year," said Mr. bin Hareb.

He noted that this year Dubai stand will be buzzing with its state-of the art facilities and new developments, all complementing our initiative to become on of the leading tourism destinations on the globe. New initiatives of Dubai Convention Bureau will be highlighted prominently. Dubai is recognised as sports capital of the Middle East as the emirate hosts an array of  international events. We will be reconfirming this position, by highlighting our golf clubs extensively. Dubai World Cup, the world's most affluent horse race will be placed in limelight. A variety of other sports events are also on our agenda. Malls in Dubai have undergone massive renovations that should meet and even surpass the visitors' expectations. Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises with all new activities lined up will be prominent attractions. Similarly, emirate's state-of-the art hotels will display their facilities at the Dubai Stand," detailed Mr. bin Hareb.

Commenting on the number of serious visitors attending this landmark event, Mr. bin Hareb stated: "ATM 2002 attracted 5,643 trade visitors from 69 countries. About 66.7% of trade visitors in 2002 were of manager status and  above. This year, the event promises to live up to its expectation resulting in a phenomenal rise in the number of serious visitors as well business opportunities for Dubai".

Mr. bin Hareb said that the Dubai stand will be showcasing the emirate's rich past as well as its vibrant present, and will provide visitors complete information covering all their needs. "The stand will be incorporating traditional design concepts, equipped with top of the line facilities and modernised and latest infrastructure of the emirate, which can be availed by  visitors", he added.

This international travel and tourism event will be attended by top officials from Hotel Groups, Tourism Boards, Airlines, travel and tourism and car hire companies from all over the world.