The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM has been rewarded with the emirate preparing to host six new MICE conferences in 2007-2008. The decision to host the new MICE conferences were confirmed at DTCM’s recent participation at the Asia-Pacific Incentive and Meetings Expo (AIME 2006) in Melbourne, Australia.

The 14th edition of the exhibition was held from June 6 to 7 at the Melbourne Exhibition centre where the DTCM had a stand measuring 75 sq. mts shared by 14 co-participants from the private sector.

Mr. Saleh Al Geziry, DTCM Deputy Manager Overseas Promotions who led the delegation said:

“The DTCM’s participation at the AIME 2006 has been successful. The DTCM has been striving to show off its expanding MICE facilities through presentations, dissemination of information and meetings with the representatives of different tour operators.”

“There will be six new MICE conferences that will be hosted by the DTCM during 2007-2008. The number of participants will range from around 600 to 1,500 travel and trade professionals,” he said.

“The AIME 2006 is an important exhibition providing us with a platform to network with Australian travel and trade professionals and increase our share in the Australian market,” Mr. Al Geziry added.

Ms. Nadia Sultan, DTCM Executive Sales and Marketing, said : “We met the representatives of 35 tour operators focused on the MICE sector from 10 countries including Europe, East Asia and USA.”

In 2006, the exhibition showed a robust growth with 850 exhibitors from 50 countries sharing an overall 12,500 sq. metres of floor space.

Australia is one of the key markets for Dubai with a 46 per cent increase in Australian guests in Dubai hotels in 2005. There was also a 28 per cent increase in the number of Australian passengers passing through the Dubai International Airport.
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