'Definitely Dubai' to make big WTM splash

Dubai Department of Tour-ism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will make a big splash with the 'Definitely Dubai' brand at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, said its director for overseas promotions.

"Definitely Dubai will be launched as the official tourism brand for DTCM's promotion of Dubai. Under the umbrella of DTCM, Definitely Dubai will provide marketing opportunities and tools for tourism professionals who are promoting Dubai," said Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, DTCM Director, Overseas Promotions and Inward Missions.

Al Geziry was announcing Dubai's participation in WTM from November 9 until 12.

The Definitely Dubai brand was soft launched at the Arabian Travel Market earlier this year.

Al Geziry said this portal was more friendly and catered to three categories of people – residents of Dubai, visitors and those who wish to do business here.

He added that at this year's Dubai stand at WTM, there would be 77 co-participants representing hotels, hotel apartments and tour operators. These would include Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department and Dubai Police. This year will also mark DTCM's 20th consecutive year of participation in one of the world's largest business-to-business exhibition for the travel and tourism industry.

The Dubai stand is expected to attract fresh business from the United Kingdom and Europe, which have remained the largest source markets for Dubai, DTCM said in a statement. The UK and Ireland together generated 854,601 million visitors in 2008, an increase of 14 per cent over the previous year. In the first half of 2009, 383,197 million visitors from UK and Ireland stayed in Dubai hotel establishments.

Al Geziry said the Sea Cloud, the world's largest hand-sailed ship, will soon be based in Dubai and provide a boost to cruising tourism. A replica will be displayed at the Dubai stand at WTM.

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