Dubai’s strategic location as the closest ‘long-haul’ destination to Europe is helping the emirate to secure increased incentive travel, according to the industry’s top official.
Speaking at a recent incentive travel conference co-sponsored by the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Roger Tondeur said that Dubai and Mauritius were the top two destinations outside of Europe from the UK in particular. These two destinations have displaced areas such as the Caribbean and Canary Islands.
The president of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives said there was a huge opportunity for Dubai in the European market.
At the same time, Tondeur said Dubai was the nearest city that was considered ‘exotic’ that could be reached without flying too far.
His view was endorsed by Michael Scully, general manager of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, a Dubai beach hotel that has achieved considerable success in courting the incentive and meetings sector.
Scully said: “While there was a retraction in incentive travel in 2002, last year we were optimistic at the beginnings of a revival, and in 2004, we are receiving exceptional levels of interest from organisers.
“The spread of hotel accommodation in Dubai means we can cater to all levels of business now.”
TTN is the most established trade publication in the Middle East distributed on a controlled circulation basis to members of the travel and tourism industry.
Published monthly by Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group, the region’s foremost trade publisher, TTN is aimed at professionals in the industry, from travel agents to airline and hotel personnel.
TTN provides in-depth and extensive coverage of relevant issues in the Middle East and North Africa as well as in other parts of the world. Travel related news, analysis, and new appointments together with information on up-coming exhibitions, marketing and promotional campaigns are presented in an innovative and striking colour tabloid.
Every issue also contains a collation of international and regional news and topical features of interest to readers.
Bahrain: | +973 1729 3131 |
Dubai: | +971554193843 |
London: | +44 208 943 3630 |
Editorial: | [email protected] |
Advertising: | [email protected] |