A Dubai publisher has signed a deal with Cimpa (Connected International Meeting Professionals Association) which it says is set to boost tourism to the emirate and other Middle East countries.

NPI, which is based at the Dubai Media City and is a specialist publisher for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry, signed the deal with Cimpa at the recent Mediterranean Travel Fair in Cairo.

Cimpa has over 10,000 members in 32 countries worldwide. They are responsible for organising meetings, conferences and incentives to destinations such as Dubai.

The new deal will see NPI's bi-monthly publication, MEMi (Middle East and Mediterranean Incentive), become the association's single official publication.

"Dubai and other destinations in the Middle East are placing increasing emphasis on the lucrative MICE sector, and the new deal between NPI and Cimpa will provide the region with a useful marketing boost in the American market, and to a worldwide network of industry professionals," said NPI managing director Robert Nicholas.

MEMi will undergo a name change to reflect a more worldwide focus, the publication's content will be expanded and it will be distributed to 2,000 of Cimpa's top members, while an electronic edition will be e-mailed to over 25,000 industry professionals and be accessible on the worldwide web.

The targeted nature of the magazine and its distribution will ensure the unique advantages of the Middle Eastern region are brought to the attention of key individuals involved in the placement and organisation of worldwide meetings, incentives and conferences, the company said.

Total circulation will be 10,000 copies.