The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has announced the departure of its director of UK and Ireland. Baerbel Kirchner, after 10 years of service, is leaving for personal reasons but will remain associated with the department in a consulting role.

Ian Scott will be taking over as the new director of the DTCM office in London from 29 October 2007 with responsibility for the UK & Ireland and comes with several years of experience in the travel and tourism industry including tour operating, retail, destination and airline marketing. Ian has worked with organisations such as First Choice, Walt Disney Company and lately has been with Eos Airlines.

“We welcome Ian Scott to the DTCM’s international marketing team and look forward to his contribution to continue in positioning Dubai as a leading outbound tourism destination and commerce hub for the UK and Ireland markets”, said Khalid A. bin Sulayem, DTCM director general in Dubai.

“We have accepted Baerbel’s decision to leave with the knowledge that this step was taken due to personal reasons as she would like to spend more time with her family in Namibia and also that she wishes to pursue her own business interests as a marketing specialist with a base in both Namibia and the UK. We have valued Baerbel’s integrity, initiative and hard work during her tenure with our organisation and thank her for everything that she has done for the department.  Since 2003 the UK is Dubai’s largest source market worldwide with an anticipated supply of 700,000 business and leisure visitors this year”, added Bin Sulayem.

“Dubai is one of the most dynamic and exciting destinations in the world.  Its pace of growth and development is stunning and, although already an incredibly popular destination for the UK and Irish markets, the potential is breathtaking.  I look forward to working with partners throughout the industry in safeguarding and enhancing Dubai’s status as a leading destination for tourism and commerce for the UK and Ireland,” said Ian.

On her part, Baerbel said: “I know this decision of mine will come as a surprise for many, especially as Dubai is such a progressive and iconic destination but my personal priorities take precedence. A lot has been accomplished by the DTCM globally since it was founded 18 years ago and I feel extremely privileged and proud to have been part of this dynamic organisation. I also express my gratitude to the DTCM’s very enabling and supportive leadership, our partners and team members for the achievements in the British and Irish markets.”
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