Discussion: a wide range of issues concerning the hotel industry in the emirate, including introduction of new facilities and expansion plans. Also on the agenda were the department's marketing and promotional activities.

Mr. Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Director General Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) chaired the second meeting of the Hotel and Hotel Apartment Group for the year 2008 at Sheraton Creek Hotel recently.

Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM Executive Director Media Relations Division and Acting Director, Business Development besides other members of the Group attended the meeting.

Mr. bin Sulayem informed the participants that the study which was carried out in 2006 on how to make Dubai affordable in comparison with other competitive destinations, focusing on five and four star hotels and deluxe category would be repeated in 2008.

Mr. Ryder from the Newsmarket introduced services of his organization which are an online platform for both media and marketing professional to manage, share and exchange video. A presentation on Emmar hospitality group and its subsidiaries was also made for the participants.

Discussing the results of the Dubai Visitor Profile for 2007, Mr. Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem said the tourism industry would be updated if such a study is executed on yearly basis for overall improvement in hospitality services.

In regard to First Aid Training Schedule, hoteliers were reminded to enroll their staff for the training as per schedule which had already been circulated to them all.

DTCM in coordination with Dubai Police would organize a training on Found Items Procedures for all hotel establishments to enable their staff identify suspicious substances etc. and proper handling.

The participants were informed that starting from March 2008 visitors from 25 countries have been allowed to drive with their local valid driving licenses.