Dubai targets New Zealand with Road Show

Dubai's attractions and amenities are being showcased in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in New Zealand at a series of road shows being organized by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) from February 11th -13th with seven co-participants.

The DTCM Executive Overseas Promotions, Mr. Saleh Al Geziry, said the road shows would help put Dubai at the center stage of the New Zealand's travel trade market. 

"Holding such an event will give further boost to tourism and expose the visitors to the world-class facilities and amenities that the emirate offers," he said.

He said Dubai's state-of-the-art infrastructure and upcoming developments would be highlighted at the road shows. 

He said the New Zealand market regard Dubai as an ideal destination in the Middle East, offering the opportunities to explore both the old world charm of Arabia and best of modern life. 

"We are expecting over 250 trade professionals in Auckland and 100 each in Wellington and Christchurch," said Mr. Al Geziry.

The number of New Zealanders coming to Dubai has been on the rise in the recent years. "The number of New Zealand guests in the third quarter of 2003 recorded an increase of 51 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2002," said Mr. Al Geziry.

In 2002, Dubai-New Zealand bilateral trade stand at Dh700 million, while the tourism sector recorded a 23 per cent increase. "Since both the countries share similar economic and trade structure, it is imperative to boost relations in different domains, including tourism," said Mr. Al Geziry.

He said tourists were increasingly looking for safer and secure destinations with the best facilities. "We are creating further awareness about Dubai in key overseas markets to increase the market share. The road shows and trade-only workshops will also facilitate effective networking for the industry professionals from the emirate and these cities," he added.

Mohd El Kahla, Director of Sales - Taj Palace Hotel Dubai exclaimed optimism on the growing popularity of Dubai and the country, "this is the first of a series of roadshows we will be participating with DTCM. There are more exhibitions lined-up for the year. It is important for us to be consistent in participating in these shows as more new regions and areas are explored providing us new markets to tap."