Dubai tourism has been recording strong growth levels in France with over 21 per cent annual growth in French visitors to the emirate between 1995-2005. The results of a latest study on the French travel market trends featured Dubai at the eighth position for the highest growth of travel packages sold in the year 2005.

The highlights of the survey were revealed during the three-day French Travel Trade Exhibition (TOP RESA-2006) in the French city of Deauville from September 21.

Dubai improved its position on the list of French’s favourite destinations and has been placed ahead of destinations like Singapore, Lebanon and Cyprus.

Dubai’s stand, put up by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) with the help of 10 co-participants, measured 50 square metres. The 28th edition of the annual show attracted 16,465 visitors, up by three per cent compared with the previous edition.

DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions, Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, said, ‘The aggressive marketing and promotional initiatives in the promising French market is paying off with substantial yearly increase in visitors from this market. Dubai was in the spotlight at the show once more and the results of enhanced awareness and promotion will be good for the tourism industry.’

Dubai cornered a momentum success in the French market with an increase of 23.3 per cent visitors in the year 2005.

The DTCM official showcased Dubai as an example of a quality-focussed destination at a conference themed on ‘Tourism & Quality’ which gathered top levelled and reputed senior executives from the travel industry.

This was 17th consecutive year participation by the DTCM at the exhibition.

This year’s Dubai co-participants were Alpha Tours, ANTA Events, Arabian Getaway Tourism, Fox Tours, Jebel Ali International Hotels, Net Group, One & Only Royal Mirage, Rida International Tourism, SNTTA Emir Tours and Sofitel Le Palace Old Town Island.
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