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Dubai’s strategic location as the closest ‘long-haul’ destination to Europe is
helping the emirate to secure increased incentive travel, according to the
industry’s top official.
Speaking at a recent incentive travel conference co-sponsored by the
Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Roger Tondeur said that Dubai and Mauritius were the top two destinations
outside of Europe from the UK in particular. These two destinations have
displaced areas such as the Caribbean and Canary Islands.
The president of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives said there was a
huge opportunity for Dubai in the European market. He said: “The destination is priced well, representing value for money, and this is
important given the focus on price as the market has flagged.”
At the same time, Tondeur said Dubai was the nearest city that was
considered ‘exotic’ that could be reached without flying too far.
His view was endorsed by Michael Scully, general manager of Le Meridien
Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, a Dubai beach hotel that has achieved
considerable success in courting the incentive and meetings sector.
Scully said: “While there was a retraction in incentive travel in 2002, last
year we were optimistic at the beginnings of a revival, and in 2004, we are
receiving exceptional levels of interest from organisers of corporate meeting and incentive events.
“The spread of hotel accommodation in Dubai means we can cater to all
levels of business now, from fun and sun reward breaks and top-end treats
for high achievers through to the full-blown corporate event with camels,
belly-dancers and more.”
As well as the only outdoor amphitheatre in the UAE, Le Meridien Mina
Seyahi has recently added extended its facilities for outdoor events, and
has established itself as a premier hotel on the beach for concerts, parties
and other events.
“Whatever a company wants, we can accommodate their requirements –
from cocktails under the stars in our beach-side amphitheatre to a full-blown fishing safari from the marina, as well as more serious meetings
in our dedicated complex at the Dubai Marine Club,” said Scully.
The property, which underwent significant landscape extensions in 2003,
registered a 10.6 per cent year-on-year growth in revenue, and a 16 per cent
increase in average room rate for the year. |
