DUBAI TO STEPUP PROMOTIONS ACROSS EUROPE

The Government of Dubai's, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced that it will step up its promotional activities in Europe starting with a major Dubai delegation to Geneva to participate in the European Incentive and Business Travel Meetings Exhibition (EIBTM May 29th to June 1st) followed by a workshop in Paris (June 1st) and roadshows in Rome and Milan (June 4th & 5th).

"Europe is one of our major sources of visitors and the participation in Geneva is designed specifically to promote Dubai as an ideal destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE)," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem.

He noted that the DTCM would highlight the new exhibition and convention facilities in the emirate including the Convention Centre to be built ahead of the General Meetings of the 58th International Monetary Fund and World Bank in September 2003.

"This is our 12th consecutive time that we are leading a delegation to participate at EIBTM in Geneva to create increased awareness among the corporate conference organisers and incentive and meeting planners from Europe about the new developments and facilities in Dubai on the conference and incentive circuit," stressed Mr. bin Sulayem.

Speaking to co-participants in the pre-fair meeting at the DTCM Head Office, DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Ibrahim Ahli said, "The World Bank/IMF meetings will bring the focus of the MICE sector on Dubai and our participation in Geneva underscores the importance of this sector that will play a vital role in increasing international visitors to the emirate."

As many as 52 co-participants will be joining Dubai at the Geneva fair on a 250 sq.m. stand incorporating elements of traditional and modern Dubai to capture the interest of the European visitors.

"In 1999 we had a 160 sq.m. stand and in 2000 the stand size was 225 sq.m. and we have had to increase the stand space further this year to accommodate the co-participants," said Mr. bin Sulayem.

DTCM officials will be targeting professionals from all walks of the tourism industry at the EIBTM including airlines, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, ground transportation, hotels, incentive houses and venues, meeting and conference planners, official tourism organisations, trade associations, travel agents and travel technology suppliers among others.

Following the participation in Geneva, the DTCM will conduct a one-day tourism workshop in Paris and a two-city roadshow in Italy to further strengthen Dubai's position in these important markets.

"Dubai is a gateway to one of the world's most dynamic regions. Our refined sea and airport facilities, modern communication systems, comprehensive business support capabilities, stable financial sector, coupled with multi-faceted attractions as a tourist destination have all contributed in making Dubai a popular MICE destination and we will highlight this across Europe in the coming weeks," Mr. bin Sulayem concluded.