Mumbai :  With the intention of boosting business travel and promoting Dubai as a leading international MICE destination in India, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), India office has undertaken several initiatives to tap the burgeoning MICE market in India. From participating at leading MICE events such as OptiMICE and IBTM (Incentives, Business, Travel & Meetings) Expo India, to promoting leading exhibitions and business events through its newsletters and advertorials to most recently organising a corporate familiarisation visit to Dubai, the tourism office is strengthening its efforts to enhance corporate travel to the emirate.

The corporate familiarisation trip organised by DTCM India was in conjunction with Indigo Airlines, Starwood group of hotels and Discovery Travels for 9 corporate representatives from some of India’s leading multi-national companies from the 7th – 9th of September 2013.  The itinerary highlighted Dubai’s tourism product offerings for business travellers with visits to attractions such as iFly Dubai, Ski Dubai and a dhow cruise experience.

Commenting on their latest marketing initiative, Carl Vaz, Director – DTCM India said, “Dubai ensures MICE travellers have an unforgettable experience as it offers the perfect blend of world-class convention centres and exciting attractions of a tourist destination. Familiarisation trips are an effective way of enhancing the understanding of a destination to unique and diverse market segments in addition to building relationships with key influencers in the industry and increasing their knowledge of and affection for the emirate. Our corporate FAM visit focused on showcasing the destination to influencers in leading companies and we hope to organize similar trips in the future.”

Mr. Vaz further added: “India represents the top source market for inward visitor traffic into Dubai with the first six months of 2013 attracting 463,175 Indian guests, representing a growth of 15.8% increase over the corresponding period last year. Going forward for this year and the next, we intend working closely with several trade members to bring in not only the numbers but more high yielding incentive and groups to Dubai. There are a plethora of exhibitions that are held at Dubai World Trade Centre which receive a large level of Indian participation as exhibitors and visitors. Our aim will be to showcase and thus promote these exhibitions and events conducted in Dubai so that the overall number of corporate travellers from India significantly increases.”

Dubai is the fastest‐growing and most‐preferred MICE destination for leading companies worldwide. Its well‐developed infrastructure, dynamic business environment and excellent transport links have strengthened the Emirate’s position as the convention and trade show centre of the Middle East.  This multifaceted city offers a host of recreational activities such as desert safaris, golf and water sports, world-class shopping malls and beautiful beaches to MICE travellers during their much-deserved leisure time.

Source : Rohini Saldanha