Dubai is participating in a big way in the inaugural Gulf Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) exhibition with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) joined by 30 co-participants from its booming tourism industry to promote and market the emirate as ideal year-round Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.

The three-day fair was opened by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and ADNEC, in the presence of the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, and other VIPs.

The exhibition features 55 main stands, including the 364-square-metre Dubai Stand which features 16 booths by the co-participants including the Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB).

Sheikh Sultan toured the Dubai Stand during the opening ceremony. Present on the occasion were Mr. bin Sulayem, and other DTCM officials, including the Director Operations and Marketing, Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, DTCM Manager Media Relations, Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim.

Mr. bin Sulayem briefed him about the DTCM initiatives to promote the emirate as business and leisure destination, utilizing various exhibitions in overseas markets.

He said Dubai tourism industry players have extended enormous support to the DTCM in promoting the MICE industry to the outside world through the GIBTM. This was reflected strongly in the number of co-participants from Dubai for the debut event.

According to the findings of a pioneering research survey, done by Reed Travel Exhibitions and MICE International magazine, released at the GIBTM, Dubai will hold on to its top position in the near future as a sought-after MICE destination.

The survey covered 16 destinations in the region, but Dubai scored the highest 84 per cent favorite with the MICE industry respondents appreciation various factors including the costs, quality of accommodation, quality of service, meeting facilities and venue availability.

The DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, said the response from the global tourism industry in general and MICE segment in particular has been encouraging.