TAJ GROUP PLANS REGIONAL UAE BASE 'TAJ CLUB DUBAI' TO BE LAUNCHED AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2002

The Taj Group of Hotels has unveiled a major Middle East expansion strategy, which includes the setting up of a regional office in Dubai.

The group, which currently operates properties in Dubai, Yemen and Oman, says it is looking to position itself throughout the Middle East as a brand offering superior luxury and elegant sophistication.

The expansion is to be highlighted at Arabian Travel Market 2002, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition, which will be held at Airport Expo Dubai in May. At the show, the five-star Taj Palace Hotel Dubai is also planning to launch its 'The Taj Club Dubai' Executive Floors.

Taj says despite the downturn in the international travel industry it is pressing ahead with its regional expansion. Construction of the Taj Towers starts in March 2002 followed by expansion in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt and the rest of the Middle East.

"The Middle East will continue to propel to greater heights because of the outward vision of the UAE leaders as well as the drive of various GCC governments," said Yannick Poupon, General Manager, Taj Palace Hotel Dubai.

"The Middle East not only has a growing regional economy but is making its presence felt with aggressive tourism campaigns on a global scale. Although the region has been plagued by political problems affecting neighbouring regions, we don't think these will deter the promotional efforts of the broad majority of GCC countries."

The Taj Group is among exhibitors from 29 countries which have, to date, contracted for Arabian Travel Market 2002, organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE). Twenty-six national and regional tourism authorities feature in the line-up.

RTE says it is cautiously optimistic that the 2002 event, the ninth in the annual series, will equal this year's show in terms of size.

"Of course, much depends on what will happen on the global stage over the next six months," explained Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director (Overseas Events), RTE.

"Realistically we do not expect to match the 15-20% annual growth the show has seen since its launch but we hope to deliver a show similar to this year. All major hotel chains in Dubai, for instance, are still supporting the event and that is important.

"While there is little doubt that, of all industries, tourism and aviation have been most affected by the aftermath of September 11th, the turnout at the World Travel Market in London last month demonstrated the sheer resilience and determination of the industry to bounce back. There was cautious optimism throughout the show.

"Overall I think the industry, especially the destinations, realises the importance, in difficult times, to show solidarity and to continue promotion. Though tourism has been badly affected as a result of recent events, this is on a global scale and not limited to the Middle East, as consumer confidence has been badly dented, and many people are afraid to fly anywhere. However, already there are signs of improvement. Naturally, the Middle East will be affected but it is important for the industry to stay strong and focused. There will be a need to re-educate people and overcome incorrect perceptions.

"For many years now, tourism has been the fastest-growing economy in the world. This trend will continue ? it is a multi- billion-dollar industry employing tens of millions of people throughout the world. Like any other industry, it has developing trends, and people need to keep abreast of what is growing.

"The MICE and business travel sector is a huge one and of increasing importance, but there are also growth areas such as eco-tourism and adventure travel, cruising, technology, religious tourism, youth travel, health resorts and spas."

RTE, which is part of Reed Exhibition Companies (REC), organises 11 events world wide, including World Travel Market, Arabian Travel Market, C.I.S. Travel Market, EIBTM, British Travel Trade Fair, PATA Travel Mart, International Golf Travel Market, Mediterranean Travel Fair, Top Resa, AIME and ICCA Exhibition in association with ICCA Congress.