Dubai Convention & Events Bureau has hired UK representation agency Hills Balfour to develop its Europe-wide sales and marketing activity and attract further MICE and association business to Dubai.

Activity will be led by senior MICE account manager Maris Kuklis, who commented: “Dubai is one of the world’s pre-eminent business tourism destinations with enormous potential to further increase its events product alongside its established association business.”

He added: “I’m delighted to join Hills Balfour and look forward to developing and enhancing relationships with key clients across all sectors to achieve an increase in enquiries and business for this prestigious destination.”

Hills Balfour will undertake a series of sales missions on behalf of the Bureau during 2013 along with attending trade shows such as IMEX and EIBTM, conducting sales appointments and co-ordinating educational visits to Dubai.

“The Dubai Convention & Events Bureau has a vision to promote Dubai as the leading convention destination and MICE hub worldwide,” commented Hamad bin Mejren-CDME, executive director, business tourism at DCEB.

“We must now concentrate on promoting the quality of service, value for money and strong network of partners involved with the Bureau, which is one of the key reasons we are now working with MICE specialist Hills Balfour. 

“Europe is a primary growth market for us considering Dubai’s geographic location, its state of the art infrastructure and comprehensive connectivity by air to all major European cities,” he added.

Maris Kuklis joined Hills Balfour in April 2013 to spearhead activity for DCEB after more than three and a half years at Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong.

He brings with him solid business acumen and strong experience with associations, event agencies, professional congress organisers and corporate clients.