DSS TO BOOST SUMMER OCCUPANCY & PROVIDE FILLIP TO RETAIL TRADE

he Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced that the forthcoming Dubai Summer Surprises (June 21st to August 31st) will boost hotel occupancy rates and provide a fillip to the retail trade in Dubai.

"From the series of events and activities lined up for the fiesta, we are confident that hotels in Dubai will record an increase in occupancy while the retail trade will note a marked increase in sales," said DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer who is also Chairman of the Food Surprises Committee.

Commenting on the Food Surprises week which is the second theme of DSS (June 28th to July 4th), Mr. Seghayer said, "Food Surprises will be a prominent visitor attraction not only because of its specific concentration on food but also because of the variety of wholesome, family-oriented entertainment lined up."

He noted that food would definitely be the main draw, but entertainment for the entire family would ensure that everyone has a great time.

Food Surprises will be a weeklong series of free cooking lessons, walk-in tasting, culinary competitions, eating competitions, cooking demonstrations by internationally famous chefs and attempts at breaking world records.

Some of the top chefs in the region will reveal tricks of the trade through live cooking demonstrations at specially erected kitchens in the nine leading malls, followed by question-and-answer sessions throughout the week.

Prominent among the activities include fruit, vegetable, chocolate and ice carving demonstrations, a variety of cooking classes on cuisine from around the world, as well as lessons on making an assortment of bread, pancakes, crepes, sandwiches etc.

"The food events will be backed up by a variety of entertainment programmes to ensure that in addition to food enthusiasts, everyone else in the family also has a great time," said Mr. Seghayer.

The DTCM is the umbrella organisation bringing together nine leading malls and 26 hotels to participate as one team in the Food Surprises Week along with the Emirates Culinary Guild and a host of sponsors to stage the Food Surprises.

More than 200 events and activities are being staged during the Food Surprises week to ensure that visitors to Dubai are spoilt for choice.