DTCM leaving no stone unturned for successful presence at ATM 2004

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is leaving no stone unturned for the success of the biggest-ever Dubai Stand at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM-2004) which gets underway on May 4.

The 11th edition of the Middle East’s fastest-growing travel and tourism exhibition will have host-city stand at the Dubai world Trade Centre (DWTC) measuring 500 square meters and featuring 84 co-participants and 57 booths.

The two-level stand, designed in the form of a traditional Arab house but equipped with the latest electronic display and presentation facilities, is expected to be the cynosure of all eyes at the show expected to attract nearly 15 visitors, both trade professionals and general public.

A total of 180 representatives from the co-participants along with the DTCM officials will be present at the stand during the four-day run.

The ATM-2004 is 25 per cent bigger in terms of space compared with the previous edition and will see the participation of over 1,000 exhibitors from 55 countries.

The DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, said: “Being the host-city of the ATM since 1995, Dubai’s public and private sector organizations, under the DTCM umbrella, have spared no efforts to make their presence felt in a big way at the influential industry show.”

He added: “The year-on-year increase in terms of stand size, co-participants and booths speaks volumes about the growing status of ATM as one of the world’s premier tourism and travel exhibition and the importance that the department accords to it to showcase Dubai’s strengths and latest developments.”

Mr. bin Hareb said the ATM plays a crucial role in the aggressive marketing and promotional agenda of the department which this year added four new overseas exhibitions to the list of 29 exhibitions it participates in across the world.

The DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, said: “Dubai’s participation in the ATM has been growing phenomenally over the years in line with its corresponding growth and stature. Dubai stand in the ATM-1995 measured 225 square meters with 18 co-participants with 14 booths.”

He said: “In fact, this year’s waiting list for co-participation has been long and we could not accommodate more organizations given the space constraints that the organizers were forced to grapple with, especially due to strong interest from both the global brands and new entrants.”

Sixty square meters of Dubai Stand space have been taken by Jumeirah International which operates Burj Al Arab, Emirates Towers Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah and Wild Wadi.

The DTCM Manager Missions, Mr. Hamad bin Mejren, said: “The department has arranged a large number of hosted-buyers from different parts of the world for this year’s ATM to ensure that the industry players get the most out of the four day event. The department is also assisting in arranging meeting for the host-buyers with the local players in line with the vision and commitment to enhance Dubai’s share in the global tourism industry.”

The DTCM Manager Media Relations, Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, said: “The department has arranged for the presentation of a personalized welcome note from the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, for those who will be utilizing the special immigration counters set up at the Dubai International Airport.”

He added: “An exclusive media kit and special facilities for the local and international media representatives are the other highlights of the arrangements. The run-up to the exhibition has seen extensive media coverage of the exhibition in different parts of the world, especially in the regions covered by the 13 overseas representative offices of the DTCM.”

The DTCM Manager Media and Advertising, Mr. Ahmed Al Tunaiji, said: “The department carried out extensive advertising and promotional campaign for Dubai with special focus on the ATM-2004 and its participants. We are confident about our efforts yielding the desired results in the coming time. We have prepared special banners and pop-up promotional stands for the department and ‘Destination Dubai’ for the ATM-2004.”

The DTCM Manager Events, Mr. Marwan bin Beyat, said: “The opening ceremony of the ATM-2004 will see the performance by the Dubai Police Band in addition to ‘Al Ayala’ dance by the UAE nationals and traditional dances by the local youngsters. The invitees of the ceremony will be welcomed in the traditional Arabian hospitality style. A maritime exhibition featuring replicas of traditional Arabian dhows including Galbout, Sahoof and Sambouk, will be on display at the entrance of the Dubai stand.”

The DTCM Manager Hatta Heritage Village, Mr. Khalid Ali Gharib, said: “The ATM visitors will be given a feel of Dubai’s rich heritage and traditions in the shape of a miniature Hatta Heritage Village created at the venue. Located about 120 kilometers from Dubai, the picturesque village is a must-see place for the tourists from across the world due to its old world charm, 3000 years of history and scenic beauty.”