DTCM INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST EVER DESTINATION LOYALTY PROGRAM AT EIBTM

The Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in conjunction with Emirates Loyalty Company, introduced the first ever destination loyalty program backed by a tourism authority, to an engrossed audience comprising the international travel trade and media, on the final day of the European Incentive and Business Travel Meetings (EIBTM) exhibition in Geneva yesterday (31st May).

Speaking to reporters on the Dubai stand, DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb said, "Identified simply as the - Dubai Card - it is a smart card based loyalty program offered exclusively for visitors to Dubai, an ideal value added tool for business or leisure travellers alike."

This card simply gives back a slice of all that visitors spend in a day.

The Dubai Card is an excellent promotional tool for participating vendors to reach the potential visitors prior to their arrival and even offer them an incentive to come and use their facility. Furthermore the nature of the loyalty program is such that whilst the visitor has a choice, it is restricted to participating vendors thus providing an excellent opportunity to win loyalty.

The vendor network will be restricted as soon as the Customer Programs Division of DNATA Agencies who are marketing the program reach the desired target for each vendor segment.

Dubai Card can be used at 700 participating vendor outlets, in the emirate that include hotels, restaurants, leisure and entertainment facilities such as karting, shooting, diving and shopping for designer wear, jewellery stores, carpet showrooms, pharmacies, sportswear shops, fashion and accessories, cruises, desert safaris and theme parks for the entire family.

Points earned can be exchanged for goods and services at all participating outlets, instantly - making this in effect an alternative currency for purchasing goods & services from all the 700 participating vendor outlets.

The card is valid for a month from the moment it is first activated by the visitor. A booklet provided with the card lists all participating vendors and the percentage of bonus they offer.

The DTCM will use its worldwide marketing infrastructure to promote the Dubai Card. The card will also be promoted at exhibitions and rodashows worldwide.

This card program is available to all leading travel agents, tour operators, airlines and cruise liners around the world for offering their clients a further benefit, as part of their package. It is basically available to any company promoting Dubai and the UAE.