Dubai to host Thomas Cook AG:Neckermann annual conference

In keeping with directives of His Highness, General, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defense Minister and Chairman of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to promote Dubai's MICE sector, the emirate will be the center of attraction for a prestigious international event. The city will host the Annual Conference of Thomas Cook AG:Neckermann, Germany on Sunday, 3rd November. The event will attract more than 216 German media and tour operators, out of which 170 are journalists from prestigious German publications.

Senior officials from the DTCM and the co-sponsors of the event, Emirates Airlines, Fairmont Hotel and Net Tours in a Press Conference at the department Head Office yesterday (Wednesday, 30th October) unveiled details of the schedule and their future plans.

DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb stated that this was a big leap forward for Dubai in further cementing strong travel and tourism ties with Germany. "Thomas Cook AG:Neckermann are pioneers in the travel tourism industry. Being chosen as a host venue for their annual conference is a creditable achievement for the emirate. We are confident that this event will help in increasing awareness of Dubai's attractions as a top class tourist destination among the German travel and tourism community," said Mr. bin Hareb.

Commenting on Dubai's MICE industry, Mr. bin Hareb stated that although Dubai relatively, a new comer to the MICE market, it is serious in its commitment to take this sector to new heights. "Dubai fits neatly into the MICE travel organisers' ideal profile of 'somewhere new and different' as it combines exotic experiences and excitement with professional state-of-the art infrastructure and top quality hotels".

Mr. bin Hareb stated that the visit of 170 German journalists to Dubai would provide the emirate with enormous exposure. "This will put Dubai in to the limelight, not only in Germany but also all over the Europe as travel trade press, news agencies, major nationwide daily, weekly and regional newspapers and magazines, TV, radio and Internet media from Germany cover the event," he added

Mr. bin Hareb remarked that there has been a perceptible increase in the number of German visitors to Dubai. "The number of German hotel and hotel apartments' guests in the year 2000 was 130,688, which in 2001 increased by 13.68 per cent as their number grew to 148,570. Similarly, the number of German tour operators featuring Dubai in their itinerary in 2000 was 100, which in 2001 grew to 142, showing an appreciable increase of 42 per cent," stated Mr. bin Hareb.

Appreciating the efforts of DTCM representative office in Germany, Mr. bin Hareb remarked: "Our office in Frankfurt has done a commendable job in marketing and placing Dubai on the international map".

Neckermann Resin renamed Thomas Cook AG in June 2001, entertains more than five million guests per year. Recognised as the strongest tour operator brand in the European market, their services cater to more than 44 countries. The figure for the present fiscal year of Thomas Cook AG is 7.431 million visitors from Europe.

Nasser bin Kherbash, Emirates General Manager, Middle East and Africa said: "This is our largest ever project to present Dubai as THE perfect winter destination. It is in fact a unique opportunity. Germany is one of our biggest sources of tourist arrivals. We are boosting the number of seats we offer from Germany to Dubai by doubling our daily timetable from Frankfurt and Munich and maintaining our daily departures from Dusseldorf".

"The writers and broadcasters will experience Dubai at first hand. So we have spared no effort to make their visit a huge success. They will see how near Dubai is to Germany, our wonderful tourist facilities and the excellence of Emirates service". 

"This will result in a very large number of reports and so benefit Emirates, Dubai, and the many tourism businesses which survive and thrive here".

Selected as host hotel for next month's DTCM sponsored Neckermann/Thomas Cook brochure launch event, The Fairmont Dubai promises a very warm welcome for the 170 travel journalists flying in from Germany for an exclusive 3-day Dubai experience. 

The hotel team is already highly motivated about the event according to Vice President & General Manager Michael Kaile who says "We were honoured to be invited to be the official hotel venue for this prestigious group by our DTCM colleagues, with the call to action coming almost one year ago before we even opened our doors. As a team we are totally committed to working together with our local partners in marking this as yet another successful event for the hotel as well as for Dubai. As the newest five star hotel in the city this presents a marvelous opportunity, not only to promote our beautiful landmark property, but to support the DTCM in their continued efforts to promote Dubai to the international market".

The VIP group includes journalists from Germany's top publications, many of which reach out into Europe and beyond, and include Bild, Touristik Report, Geo-Saison and Berliner Zeitung amongst others. 

Stephen Banks, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for the hotel adds "Our objective during this first year of operation has been to maximise awareness of The Fairmont Dubai throughout all international markets, and to have such a high profile media group flying in really gives us a unique opportunity to promote The Fairmont Dubai as well as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to one of our key markets, plus the associated PR benefits of working with the experienced DTCM team". 

Ali Abu Monassar, Vice Chairman of Net Tours said that as a part of our commitment to promote Dubai as a Destination and as a sole partner of Thomas Cook AG in the United Arab Emirates, It is indeed our pleasure in joint effort with Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Emirates Airlines and Fairmont Hotel that Net Group of Companies is hosting this important and auspicious event. Net Group is handling all the ground arrangement such as meet & assist, transfer, city tour and various Tours & Excursions on Day 3.

"A 1001 Arabian Night" Gala Dinner under the stars will be held in the ultimate invention of the Net Group of Companies. This will give a real taste of the Heritage of Dubai and to the root of its development, planning and open mindedness. More than 225 people will be enjoying themselves in this new magnificent camp and it will be a soft launch of the "1001 Night" Campsite.

This Event is co-sponsored by Jebel Ali Hotel who will provide the food and beverage. This is in keeping with the high standard of services of Net Group of Companies.