The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) convened the first Travel and Tourism Meeting for 2005…
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) convened the first Travel and Tourism Meeting for 2005 to outline the tourism strategy for the year ahead and discuss ways to tackle several issues facing the industry.
The meeting, chaired by Afra Al Fahim, Business Development Manager, DTCM, was attended by representatives of five, four and three star hotel establishments, deluxe and standard hotel apartments as well as Tourism Coordinators representing the departments of Immigration and Civil Aviation respectively.
The attendees discussed the steady growth in tourism figures and the fact that current demand outstrips the number of hotel rooms in the city. DTCM, with the active support of the private sector, has been continuing its aggressive promotional drive in several key markets across the world to showcase Dubai`s tourist facilities and increase visitor traffic.
At the same time it was felt that hotels and tour operators should continue to uphold guest service standards. Attendees were asked to distribute copies of the DTCM leaflet on E-complaints, an online complaint forum, to gather guest feedback on the services of DTCM, and private and public tourism-related organizations. Complaints registered on E-complaints are tackled by DTCM or the concerned organisation within 24 hours wherever possible.
The following Coordinators were selected to represent each market: Travel Agents – Mr. Salah Ibrahim Sharaf, Managing Director, Oasis Adventures; CIS Market – Mr. Ghassan Aridi, Managing Director of Alpha Tours; Emerging Markets and South Africa – Ms. Jyoti Panchmatia, General Manager SNTTA-Emir Tours; Cruise Liner Services and India – Ms. Inger Rasmussen, Chief Executive Officer, Orient Tours; Car Rental Companies -, Mr. Abdullah Al Suwaidi, General Manager, Patriot; Destination Management Companies (DMCs) – Mr. Ali Abu Monassar, Vice Chairman, Net Group of Companies; Passenger Yacht Rental – Mr. Otto Kurzendorfer, General Manager, Bateaux Dubai; and Europe Inbound – Mr. Frederic Bardin, Vice President, Arabian Adventures.
DTCM informed members that it was working closely with Dubai Municipality to further control the quality and hygiene of food offered at desert camps during desert safaris. As the Department responsible for promoting Dubai, DTCM plays an active role in ensuring that high standards are maintained in every aspect of tourist-related services. The Department emphasised its commitment to upholding these standards to ensure maintains Dubai`s leading position on the global tourism map.
The attendees were also given a brief presentation by Dubai Chamber of Commerce (DCCI) on the Dubai Ethics Resource Center, the authority responsible for raising awareness on organizational ethics, corporate responsibility and standards of good governance among industries in the Dubai.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
