The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is courting Far Eastern markets by staging the "Discover Dubai" Roadshow in five Asian countries, from 22-26 April 2002. A high-powered tourism delegation from Dubai will visit Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei and Singapore to introduce the emirate's fast developing tourism sector to Asian tour operators.
It will be the first time that Dubai Tourism has organized an event of this scale in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Brunei. Thailand's recovery from the Asian financial crisis in 1998 justifies the renewed promotional drive in this market, which has been a long time source of visitors on shopping tours or stopovers to Europe. Malaysia is one of Dubai's largest high potential, yet untapped markets in the Far East, whereas Brunei represents potential tourism traffic through strong religious and governmental links. Hong Kong and Singapore residents, with their high spending power and frequent travel, remain prime targets for Dubai.
The DTCM's Manager for Promotions in Hong Kong, Ms. Jane Salomons, said: "We are looking for the Roadshow to pay off in the immediate future. The 5 countries we are visiting this month contributed some 27,800 visitors to Dubai's rapidly growing tourism sector last year. We are confident that we can achieve a 20% increase in arrivals from the Far East in the coming year. The Roadshow will be a driving force by actively promoting Dubai through Asian travel agents."
A total of 500 to 600 travel agents are expected to attend the 5-day Roadshow, which will feature presentations, a mini exhibition and an authentic Arabian buffet.
Over 20 Dubai tour operators and hotels will be participating in the Roadshow, led by DTCM's Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Ibrahim Ahli, and co-sponsors Net Group, one of Dubai's leading inbound tour operators, and the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Dubai's oldest establishment offering luxurious accommodation and self-catering.
Other participants include the Dubai International Convention Centre, Emirates airlines and the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, managers of the state-of-the-art Dubai International Airport. All three organizations have major expansion plans underway and will provide the latest updates during the
Roadshow.
Ms. Salomons said: "The continuous expansion of our airport and national carrier and the Convention Centre's preparations for the round of Worldbank/IMF meetings to be held in Dubai in 2003, are only a few examples of Dubai's phenomenal tourism growth. The ambitious development of the Palm Islands, the growing number of hotels and recent achievements in the cruise industry are further proof of Dubai's determination to become a leading tourism hub. We will provide the latest information at our seminars, letting visitors truly "Discover" Dubai."
The Discover Dubai Roadshow starts in Hong Kong on 22 April before traveling to Bangkok on 23 April, Kuala Lumpur on 24 April, and Brunei on 25 April before culminating in Singapore on 26 April 2002.
Journalists and photographers are encouraged to attend the seminars. Participants in each of the five cities will have a chance to win a trip to Dubai, generously supported by the two Dubai co-sponsors and by Emirates Airlines in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and Royal Brunei Airlines in Brunei. |
