DUBAI STEPS UP PROMOTIONS IN JAPAN

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has stepped up its promotions in the Japanese market in a bid to increase its market share from the second largest economy in the world by conducting a series of roadshows across three key cities of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

"Japan ranks as the second largest economy in the world and the wealthiest on a per capita basis," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem. "Last year itself, Japanese outbound travel grew by almost nine per cent to reach the 17.8 million mark and it is one of our important target markets."

He noted that Japan is a good market for Dubai and because of recent international events, travel from Japan to the USA and Canada has reduced substantially and the Japanese traveler is looking for alternative destinations.

"The Japanese traveler is now more selective about the safety aspect of a destination and this offers us a good opportunity as Dubai has been voted among the safest destinations in the world," added Mr. bin Sulayem.

Earlier this week the DTCM participated in the leading travel trade exhibition, Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Show that proved highly effective for the emirate and indicated good potential for the future.

"Through stepped up promotional activity in the Japanese market, we hope to further strengthen our market share from Japan and at the same time provide tourism updates and networking possibilities for the Dubai co-participants who participate with us at these exhibitions and roadshows," Mr. bin Sulayem remarked.

"The roadshow in Tokyo was attended by 150 travel specialists while Nagoya and Osaka attracted over 100 attendees largely due to an extensive marketing support that included a mailshot and advertising," said DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Ibrahim Ahli.

As many as seven local tourism organizations accompanied the DTCM on the three-city campaign including Al-Futtaim Travel, Dusit Dubai, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Orient Tours, Passage to Arabia, Sharaf Travel and Shine Travel & Tours.

The outbound travel segments, that are expected to grow rapidly from Japan are the middle aged and the elderly travel, wedding/honeymoon travel, school travel, and working women in the age group starting from the late-20's to 30's.