DTCM TO OPEN OFFICE IN SWITZERLAND

As part of a key initiative to build up Dubai’s business and tourism links with Switzerland and Austria, His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced that the department will open a new office in Zurich to target the Swiss and Austrian markets.

Sheikh Mohammed who is leading the Dubai delegation that is currently participating in the ongoing (29th to 31st May) European Incentive and Business Travel Meetings Exhibition announced this expansion in Geneva yesterday (May 30th).

He noted that the opening of an office in Switzerland marks a critical element in the long-term strategy of Dubai to develop stronger ties and form new alliances and partnerships across Europe.

DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem added: “This new office will play an important role as we actively branch out to the Swiss and Austrian markets.”

“Our strategy in the Swiss market so far has been to target the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) business and we have made a considerable impact through 12 consecutive participations at the EIBTM,” said Mr. bin Sulayem. “Following the opening of our office later this year, we will adopt a highly focused strategy that will involve identifying and targeting influential decision makers and other priority audiences,” he remarked.

Mr. bin Sulayem stated that the new DTCM office would maximise the opportunities emerging throughout Switzerland and Austria while strengthening support for the travel trade in the regions.

The DTCM’s promotional activities in the Swiss and Austrian markets will include exhibition participation, marketing visits, presentations and roadshows, advertising, brochure distribution, media relations, as well as familiarisation visits to Dubai for influential business and travel journalists.

The office will also function as the preliminary contact point and inquiry processing centre for Swiss and Austrian companies and the travel trade interested in doing business with Dubai.

“We are confident that our new office will play an important role in boosting bilateral ties, by promoting a widespread awareness of the opportunities Dubai offers in terms of both business and tourism,” Mr. bin Sulayem added.

The opening of a new DTCM office will signify a large step forward for Dubai’s operations in European countries that are already covered through dedicated DTCM offices in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and the Nordic countries.

“This is an important milestone in Dubai’s growth strategy, as we continue to penetrate the European market,” Mr. bin Sulayem concluded.

The new presence in Switzerland brings to 15 the total number of offices in the DTCM’s international network.