TOP RUSSIAN TOUR OPERATORS CONFIRM COMMITTMENT TO DUBAI

Some of the leading Russian tour operators confirmed their commitment to destination Dubai following a comprehensive presentation at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing's (DTCM) Head Office in Dubai yesterday (November 7th).

"As part of our considerably stepped up promotions across Russia, we met with the some of the top Russian tour operators, who between them control a bulk of the Russian outbound travel to Dubai, and they have all confirmed a strong commitment to the emirate," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem after the meeting.

He noted that the DTCM has stepped up its promotions across Russia, the CIS and the Baltic States in a drive to attract increased business and leisure traffic to Dubai from a market that offers significant potential.

"Dubai has become known as a major tourist destination for travellers from Russia following the DTCM's promotional activity of the past few years," added Mr. bin Sulayem.

In 2000, Dubai's hotel establishments received almost 200,000 Russian guests.

There are currently 526 Russian tour operators offering packages to Dubai. In view of the growing passenger traffic on this sector, many Russian carriers including Aeroflot operate flights between Dubai and Moscow. Meanwhile, a large number of tourists from the CIS arrive by specially chartered flights.

The department's recent promotions in the Russian market have included leading a 19-strong travel trade delegation to participate in Leisure 2001 followed by tourism roadshows in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

An up to date report issued by the World Tourism Organization stated that more than 12 million people from the CIS travel abroad every year.

The increasing number of Russian outbound travelers is expected to place Russia in 10th position of the major tourism producing countries by 2020.