Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing participates in JATA Travel Fair

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is participating in the JATA Travel Fair (Japanese Association of Travel Agents) for the seventh consecutive year at Yokohoma in Japan. The Dubai team, which will participate in the exhibition (3rd October - 5th October) have 14 co-participants comprising of hotels and tour operators.

DTCM Executive Salah Al Geziry who will represent the department at the event said that the main focus of the three-day exhibition would be on tourism, its benefits and the role it plays in domestic as well as global economy. "The event will have representation from the entire tourism industry including national and regional tourist organizations, airlines, hotels, travel agents, transportation companies, cruises and shipping companies, the travel media and any other related organizations from all over the globe. This will give us an opportunity to showcase Dubai's tourism infrastructure and potential to a  wider section of audience," said Mr. Al Geziry.

He noted that event provides a venue for travel and tourism professionals to promote travel in general public, thus boosting demand by stimulating the will and desire to travel. "Last year, the exhibition attracted above 90,300 visitors, including 77,597 consumers. This enabled us to promote the destination directly to consumers who are experience travelers and are motivated to travel again. This year, following the success of the last year, we expect the number of serious visitors to rise," said Mr. Al Geziry.

Appreciating the increase of the number of Japanese hotel and hotel apartment guests in Dubai who are regarded up market tourists, Mr. Al Geziry remarked: "The number of hotel and hotel apartments guests from Japan registered an appreciable increase of 23.24 per cent in 2002 compared to the year 2001. Similarly the number of Japanese tour operators promoting Dubai in their itinerary, enormously increased by 28.39 per cent in 2002 compared to 2001".

He noted that the department regards Japan as a premium market for Dubai and has organized several promotions in the form of roadshows, workshops and exhibition in Japan. "The DTCM has conducted several promotions in the  apanese market through its representative office in Tokyo. The whole idea behind this is to tap the South East Asian market as it promises a huge potential in terms of travel, tourism and trade," concluded Mr. Al Geziry.