IN a drive to promote global tourism, and to place emphasis on sustainable tourism, Skal International’s Dubai chapter has upgraded its website.

The new site will provide up-to-date information and news on the region’s travel and tourism developments, according to Chris Anns, Skal Dubai vice president.
Skal International is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world that promotes global tourism and friendship (www.skal.org)
Anns said that research figures estimate that the MENA region will see 52 million people online by 2008, with 50 per cent online penetration in the UAE alone, according to Madar Research: “The UAE’s booming economy calls for a fast adoption of internet-based services and Skal Dubai wants to be part of the online network for tourism information.“
The UAE’s internet users are projected to reach three million by 2009, with 32 per cent penetration in the household sector, and 45 per cent in the business sector.
“Re-launching the website has been an exciting challenge,“ he said. “With these improvements www.skaldubai.org will continue to inform members and visitors to the site about the Skal’s activities locally, regionally and internationally.“