UAE- DTCM plans strategy to attract tourists 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai (DTCM), in a bid to boost tourism sector, had a meeting with the industry in the emirate.

The meeting, held in Dubai, saw the presence of the representatives of the industry group, directors.

The Dubai Airports and Emaar Group gave two presentations on their new projects and plans.

Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, director-general, DTCM, paid a tribute to the attendees for their participation in local and abroad events and fairs to attract more tourists to Dubai.

"The function is part of DTCM's effort to remove all the obstacles hampering tourist sector, update and exchange information on the emirate's new projects and plans."

In his presentation on the Dubai Airport Expansion Project 2020, Cian O Sullivan, Head of Retail, Dubai Airports, said while 47.2 million passengers used Dubai Airports in 2010, the number is expected to jump to 98.2 million in 2020.

"As many as 56 million passengers are anticipated to use the Dubai Airports by the end of 2012 whereas the cargos to be handled this year will most likely exceed 2.5 million tonnes."

Expecting further hike, Sullivan said the capacity of Dubai Airports is to rise to 75 million passengers in the beginning of 2013.

"The ongoing airport expansion project, costing up to 8 billion, will help cope with an unprecedented growth in passengers' numbers," he said, adding that "the revenues of Dubai aviation sector, hitting 22 billion, contribute by 22 per cent of the emirate's GDP."

Talking about the "Downtown Dubai", William Oburu, Emaar Group, said the luxurious area is located on 500 acres.

"These include Burj Khalifa (the tallest tower in the world), the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping and entertainment destination in the world), along with 33 residential towers, eight international hotels, a variety of recreational facilities, and other sights."