A select group of 30 top overseas tour operators were made `Dubai Specialists` at DTCM`s recently concluded 2nd FVW Workshop in Dubai…
A select group of 30 top overseas tour operators were made `Dubai Specialists` at DTCM`s recently concluded 2nd FVW Workshop in Dubai. The active participation of the global travel industry`s decision makers and leaders at the event, reflect Dubai`s popularity as an ideal year-round business and leisure destination.
Hotel establishments in Dubai have registered a 67 percent increase in the number of German guests in the first half of 2004 compared with the corresponding period last year.
Commenting on this at the FVW Workshop, DTCM Director Operations and Marketing (DTCM), Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, said: This proves beyond doubt that Dubai is the favourite destination for the Germans and their interest in the emirate remains as strong as years ago. There is still a huge potential to be tapped and we remain committed to benefit from the tremendous opportunities.
The annual FVW Workshop is part of the aggressive promotional and marketing agenda undertaken by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to tap established and emerging markets as Dubai moves a step further towards becoming a leading international tourist and business destination. The four-day workshop was supported by Lufthansa, Madinat Jumeirah and Alpha Tours.
FVW International is a leading opinion-building German travel trade magazine and the workshop was designed to make familiar a selected group of travel agents with Dubai and develop destination knowledge thereby turning travel agents into Dubai specialists through first-hand experience. This year`s programme attracted a total of 130 applicants, but only 30 were selected – all first-time visitors to Dubai.
Participants, including senior representatives from Germany`s leading travel organizations like Meier`s Weltreisen, Thomas Cook, Deutsches Reiseburo GmbH, TUI and Tischler Reisen, were offered insights into Dubai`s new wave of growth and expansion through a presentation on the destination covering its unique facilities, growth dynamics and future projects. Details about each of the ambitious projects that are taking shape, ranging from The Palm to Hydropolis Hotel, were revealed along with their impact on Dubai`s tourism industry and economy.
Through interactive sessions and field trips covering the emirate`s landmarks and upcoming developments, the 30 short listed participants were made `Dubai Specialists` after they experienced the world-class infrastructure, high standards of living, recreational and resort facilities, unique Arabian hospitality and traditions and contemporary lifestyle.
The FVW International Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Klaus Hildebrandt, said: We received very positive feedback from the participants. The travel agents confirmed a substantial demand throughout the year for Dubai. They appreciated the opportunity provided to them to come on a platform to understanding the destination and market it well and extensively.
Speaking at the workshop, FVW Mara Kaselitz, Director, DTCM Germany, said: Dubai topped the list of long-haul destinations for Germans this year on the back of unfaltering interest in the destination. Every segment of the tourism industry has benefited from the German market and we hope the trend will continue in the future as well. The upcoming winter season is scheduled to witness 47 non-stop weekly flights to Dubai from Germany. As many as 134 tour operators are featuring Dubai in their packages and itineraries in 2004.
The number of German companies in Dubai has increased to 241 in 2004 (as of May 10th) from 77 in 1993, while the number of German establishments in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) jumped up from four to 106 during the same period. Last year, 377,000 German passengers arrived from Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf at the Dubai International Airport, registering a 21 percent growth.
The field trips and arrangements for the FVW workshop were coordinated by DTCM Executive Missions, Ali Abdulwahab. Each participant contributed donations for the Iraqi children which will be routed through Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
