Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is currently promoting the Emirate’s attractions as a winter sun destination to the Nordic market at the ongoing Norway International Travel Trade Fair Reiseliv 2002, held January 10-13.
"We position Dubai as a winter escape for Nordic travelers because the Nordic states of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden experience a long and dark winter when the weather is harsh," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem. "Dubai's year round sunshine and perfect winter climate, top class hotels, the excellent facilities for a variety of sports and leisure activities and superb shopping offer a welcome diversion for the Nordic tourist," he added.
"In 2000, Dubai's hotel establishment guests recorded a 15 percent growth in visitors from the Nordic region, which includes Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and has a population of 22 million and we aspire to increase our share from this market segment," Bin Sulayem stressed.
"Participation at Reiseliv provides Dubai exhibitors with an opportunity to increase visibility and flow of Nordic travelers to the emirate," said DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Ibrahim Ahli.
Ahli commented that the Nordic countries accounted for more than 19.4 million outbound holiday trips in 2000. "Our research indicates that the Nordic travelers choice of a destination depends on certain key characteristics including sunshine and daylight and high health and safety standards and Dubai guarantees year round sunshine and is rated among the safest destinations in the world," he added.
Reiseliv is the first major exhibition being mounted by the DTCM this year and will include a total of five major exhibitions in Europe alone indicating the importance of Europe as a major travel origin source market for Dubai. Exhibiting under the DTCM's umbrella at the event are eight representatives from Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Shine Travel and Tours, Knight Tours and Emirates airline. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
