'Keep Discovering Dubai' launched. Saturday, 28th March 2009 Source : Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

The DTCM in partnership with Emirates Airline and Group, Dubai hoteliers and Destination Management Companies, have launched a massive global campaign to promote Dubai’s tourism facilities internationally.

Over 2,000 frontline travel staff from around the world including; travel agents, tour operators and MICE agents will be invited to visit Dubai throughout March, April and May for an exciting and eye-opening three day familiarisation trip, under the banner of the ‘Keep discovering Dubai’ campaign. The entire campaign is estimated to be costing around AED 50 million, including flights, accommodation, meals and tours.
 
Keep discovering Dubai is a combined initiative involving; DTCM, Emirates, hoteliers and DMCs, with all parties collaborating to host the 2,000 plus visitors from over 50 countries, and showcase Dubai’s accessibility, infrastructure and range of amenities – from flights and choice of accommodation, to tours, dining and a spectrum of leisure options.
 
“Emirates has always been Dubai's ambassador to the world,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group. “Since the inception of Emirates in 1985, we have invested millions of dollars promoting the destination and creating packages and products that have resulted in making Dubai and the UAE one of the most preferred and popular tourist destinations in the world.”
 
“Dubai is an exhilarating, dynamic and constantly evolving destination. The city’s rise to international prominence in a mere 40 years is staggering and Emirates is proud to be a part of Dubai’s achievements. Dubai is the home and heart of Emirates and we are committed to further extending our global reach to connect ever more travellers to our city.”
 
During the hosted three-day visit guests will be treated to a unique experience combining Arabian hospitality with spectacular scenery and world-class entertainment. From desert safaris and gourmet dining to meandering through the traditional Bastakiya, the trip will provide tour and travel operators with an unforgettable experience, designed to showcase Dubai’s diverse culture and options for every traveller segment.
 
“A visit to Dubai is never the same. The city offers unparalleled entertainment and leisure options with new developments unveiled almost every month. It is critical that we maintain a constant dialogue with international travel agents, tour operators and MICE agents, to ensure they are aware of the new attractions that may be of interest to their clients. This campaign is a major highlight of our joint efforts with the key players of the tourism industry in the emirate,” said Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, DTCM Executive Director Marketing and Operations.
 
“As Dubai increases its offering of world-class hospitality, the emirate is the preferred holiday destination for tourists from around the world. Dubai’s tourism product offering is going from strength to strength thanks to the diversity of activities and hospitality offerings. The future is looking equally exciting.”
 
“Keep discovering Dubai will provide global representatives from the travel trade with a distinctive first-hand experience of Dubai. Tourism is an integral part of Dubai’s economy and we are committed to maintaining the strong visitor figures we have witnessed throughout the last several years. With so many of Dubai’s key travel companies and operators dedicating their services to this initiative we are confident in its success.”
 
Keep discovering Dubai is a great example of key stakeholders working together to promote Dubai as an exciting, safe and world-class destination. As part of their welcome package each guest of Keep discovering Dubai will receive a complimentary silver Vice Versa card. Valid for one month, users will instantly receive up to 20 per cent of the amount spent back on their card as a cash reward, when booking leisure activities, shopping and dining at Vice Versa Partner Outlets across Dubai.
 
As part of Keep discovering Dubai, some 300 media representatives will also be invited for a three day familiarisation trip during March, April and May, to offer them a hands-on experience of Dubai and its vibrant tourism and business landscape.