The President of Equatorial Guinea Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, along with Mr. Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, visited the Dubai Stand at the Tourism Development Projects & Investment Market (TDIM-08) exhibition at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre on Monday, January 21.

During the visit, Mr. Teodoro acquainted himself with various multi-million dollar projects taking shape in the emirate and the marketing and promotional initiatives of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

He praised the developments in Dubai, especially in the infrastructure projects in the tourism sector. He showed keen interest in the emirate’s heritage showcased at the Dubai Stand for the benefit of exhibition visitors.

Mr. Teodoro was briefed about the handicrafts, traditional dances and falconry and how important has been the heritage and culture in Dubai’s marketing as a leading tourism destination.

Mr. Saleh Al Geziry, DTCM Director Overseas Promotions, welcomed the dignitaries and took them around the spacious stand.

Meanwhile, the DTCM Executive Director Operations and Marketing, Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, expressed confidence that the TDIM-08 would become an ideal networking place for the project developers and investors. Tourism, he said, was being given high importance in the region and the projects on display at the TDIM-08 offer a perfect platform to learn and network.

Mr. Al Geziry also held discussions with the Mr. Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on various issues, including preparations for the WTTC Summit to be held in Dubai in April this year. He also welcomed to the stand Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb and Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, DTCM Executive Director Convention and Heritage.

The Middle East region’s first trade show dedicated to developments and investments in the booming tourism sector runs until January 22. The three-day exhibition is taking place on a 19,000 square metres space and has attracted more than 50 leading tourism projects developers as exhibitors.

The debut show is showcasing an estimated AED 700 billion worth of tourism projects by more than 50 leading tourism projects developers.