Dubai hotel establishments recorded a 13 % increase in Japanese guests, in the first half of 2005 compared with the corresponding period last year, strongly reflecting the ever-increasing popularity of the emirate in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun' as a year-round business and leisure destination.

Statistics released by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) revealed that Dubai registered 29 % increase in Japanese guests in 2004 compared with 2003 with nearly 46,000 Japanese tourists and businessmen checking into Dubai hotels. In 1997, Japanese hotel guests numbered just over 14,000. Between January and June this year, more than 25,000 Japanese stayed with Dubai hotel establishments.

As part of its continuing endeavors to increase the number of visitors from its established and emerging markets, the department continues to play a host to media professionals, tourism and travel industry professionals, and others through its familiarization programmes.

This year, the department hopes to play a host to 25 Japanese missions, according to DTCM Manager Missions, Mr. Hamad bin Mejrin. Two Japanese journalists visited Dubai recently for a first-hand experience of the traditional Arabian hospitality and explore the emirate and its attractions. Mr. Miyaoka Akihiro, Editor of Addictam (Magazine for High-End People) and Mr. Ichiro Takagi of Takagi Studio, were accompanied by Mr. Kazushige Okada, Advisor of Sharaf Group.

The visiting delegation was briefed about the history of Dubai, the business environment, infrastructure expansion and the tourism development. They were also given a presentation on the landmarks being created in Dubai, including The World.