The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has strengthened its Kids Go Free 2011 campaign that is expected to boost inbound summer tourist traffic to Dubai.

Kids Go Free is a unique tourism promotion concept that encourages families to travel together under a value-added tour package to offer the best tourism experience. With discounted airfare, rooms, meals, site-seeing and entertainment vouchers, a family could look for the best value for their money spent in tourism.

The DTCM has engaged Emirates Airline and FlyDubai – Dubai's two great carriers and a host of hotels, resorts, restaurants and entertainment venues to offer tourists the best experiences.

Since its inception in 2009, the ‘Kids Go Free' program has grown in strength and relevance. The international travel trade showed great support to Dubai with enthusiastic uptake and sales. Dubai was one of the first cities to build a platform that brought its hotels, airlines, travel operators and key partners under one banner for the summer period – an achievement in itself.

Ameera Jokhadar, Head of Industry Relations Business Development at the DTCM, briefed more than 200 hoteliers, travel and tour operators at a briefing on Kids Go Free campaign recently.

"This year, we have more choice for everyone as more hotels are participating including both by the beach and in the city; more inventory has been allocated allowing the trade to sell more; a host of new restaurants have been added to enjoy great cuisines from across the world while more activities have been included for children with new leisure attractions and activities," she said.

Great value deals

Dubai has become one of the most attractive destinations for families as it offers some of the most exciting deals from the minute one arrives in the city, Jokhadar said.

"Children continue to stay, dine and play for free and parents get great discount privileges to go shopping at some of the world's most incredible shopping malls," she said.

Families can conveniently find information about what's on offer, who is participating, what activities and attractions are available and much more by visiting our dedicated website www.kidsgofreeindubai.com. Strategic decision to drive all bookings through travel professionals have been taken allowing them to benefit and engage customers directly.

"Dubai stands strongly behind the program with more impactful promotional activity," Jokhadar said. "More impact with travel partners also taking the Kids go Free in Dubai program forward with their own promotional campaigns"

Under the Kids Go Free 2011, children under the age of 12, stay, dine and play for free this summer, when accompanied by two paying adults. The package offers up to 50% discount on Emirates when booking either economy or business class.

Free accommodation and meals for two kids under 12 years for every two paying adults at the hotel booked to stay in.

However, packages come with a minimum duration of 3 nights with the option of booking additional nights available at over 70 selected hotels ranging from 3 – 5 star city or beach and standard or deluxe hotel apartments.

The offer is valid from 14th May until 30th September 2011. The package includes dedicated meet and greet service on arrival, complimentary airport transfers to and from the hotel, welcome pack with exclusive privileges and discount vouchers. Additionally, up to 2 children under 12 years of age will receive a NOL Card issued by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to be used on all public transportation.

Nol Card is a smart card that enables passengers to pay for the use of various RTA transport modes in Dubai with a single card. Nol Cards are used to travel on Dubai's Metro, Buses and water buses.