German edition of 'Destination Dubai' launched at ITB 2004

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has released the German version of the 2004 edition of its flagship travel manual, Destination Dubai, as part of its aggressive campaign to promote the emirate as a safe and perfect round-the-year destination for business and leisure among German travellers.

The annual publication enjoyed a formal launch at the Dubai stand in the world’s top tourism fair, ITB-2004, in Berlin. This years Dubai stand measures nearly 400 square metres and is shared by 82 co-participants under the DTCM umbrella.

The DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, who is heading the delegation at the ITB 2004, said: “Destination Dubai has remained very popular among travel agencies and tour operators as an attractive and informative tool to market the emirate as an attractive holiday destination.”

He added: “In order to cater to the rapidly-expanding German market, we have been publishing an exclusive edition of this manual in German language. Over 156,000 Germans stayed in Dubai hotel establishments in 2003 and were able to explore different facets of Dubai and its unique hospitality.”

Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, said: “It offers tour operators all the information they need to design a Dubai package. The manual is designed to help the travel industry professionals market Dubai vacations more effectively and extensively.”

The step-by-step travel guide provides comprehensive details of the emirate's tourist attractions, facilities, and services. This publication also showcases Dubai's emergence as an international conference, exhibition and business centre of excellence.

It offers essential data on travel and tourism in the emirate, including information on airlines, sightseeing, desert safaris and cruise tours.

The tourism directory of this manual has been updated to provide a list of essential services with phone, fax and post box numbers.

The exhaustive tome has a general information section dealing with Dubai's history, culture, population, visa and customs regulations, health requirements, climate, social life, and lifestyles.

Another section offers insights into the mega development projects, currently underway in Dubai.

Mr. bin Hareb said: “With world-class leisure facilities, guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches and Arabian hospitality, Dubai offers visitors a unique holiday adventure. Superb sporting opportunities, extensive shopping centers, and excellent dining and entertainment facilities, coupled with safe streets, making Dubai a destination second to none.”