DTCM to conduct roadshow in South Africa

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is to conduct a series of road shows in three South African cities from September 14 to 17 to add more strength to the promotional drive in this fast-expanding source market for Dubai’s booming tourism industry.

The first road show will take place in Johannesburg followed by Durban on September 15 and Cape Town on September 17.

In each city, more than 100 participants are expected at the event open to the travel industry decision-makers and local print and electronic media.

The department organized a pre-event meeting to brief the road shows’ co-participants about the arrangements and exchange views and opinions with them.

The meeting was addressed by the DTCM Executive Overseas Promotions, Mr. Saleh Al Geziry.

He briefed the participants about the schedule of meetings and activities during the road shows being held for the fifth consecutive year.

Mr. Al Geziry said: “South Africa is an established and fast-expanding market for the Dubai tourism industry. The significant year-on-year increase in the number of South African tourists and businessmen visiting Dubai has prompted us to add further punch to our marketing and promotional drive.”

The department is optimistic about the outcome of the road shows that attracted 14 co-participants this year, up from nine in 2003.”

The number South African guests in Dubai hotel establishments recorded a 7.3 per cent increase in 2003 compared with the previous year.

There has been a 5.9 per cent increase in the South African hotel guests during the first six months of 2004 compared with the corresponding period in 2003.

The co-participants are Net Group, Sea View Hotel, Alpha Tours, Oasis Adventures, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Taj Palace Hotel Dubai, Accor Hotel World Trade Centre, Gulliver’s’ Travel Associates, Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, SMTTA, Wings Tours Gulf and the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

Raffle draws will be conducted in each city offering the chance to win two Dubai holidays. The co-participants will utilize the promotional initiative to market their special packages and other offerings in the South African markets.