At the beginning of the summer of this year, the Dubai Emirate Conference was held in the emirate of Dubai. We decided to talk about the results of this conference and plans for cooperation in developing the tourism market with the senior manager for foreign campaigns at the Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing of the Government of Dubai (DTKM) Ali Abdul Wahab.
- Mr. Ali, how do you assess the results of the summer conference “Dubai is an all-weather destination”, which was held from June 8 to 10, 2008?
At this conference, we discussed a wide range of problems, including further cooperation between Dubai, Russia and the CIS countries, issues of promoting the tourist destination. Our main task was to consider and find specific solutions to issues of concern to Russian tour operators, how to meet the needs of vacationers, so that they come here from year to year.
- Some Russian tour operators who participated in the conference complained that the DTCM does not sufficiently support the promotion of the emirate in Russia as a year-round place for family and outdoor activities. In your opinion, are such complaints fair?
The Russian tourism market is very important for us: it is one of the main sources of welfare of the emirate. In the near future we plan to invest large amounts in DTKM off-site advertising campaigns in order to attract as many Russian tourists as possible to Dubai. Next year we intend to hold various international exhibitions and meetings, where Dubai will be presented as one of the leading holiday destinations in the world. Our main goal is to cooperate with all travel agencies from different cities of Russia and the CIS countries.
- Do tour operators operating in Dubai cope with the growing flow of Russian tourists?
Every year the number of tourists from Russia, the CIS countries and the Baltic states is increasing. And we are only in favor if there will be more professional travel companies. We try not to prevent this. Next year, we expect to get acquainted with the work of Russian travel companies in the field, and for this DTKM plans a series of field actions in major cities of Russia. This will help us better understand the wishes of Russian tourists.
- We know that DTKM issues special certificates for guides working in the emirate of Dubai. Do you think a greater number of professional Russian-speaking guides registered and certified by the DTCM will help popularize Dubai?
According to statistics from 5,863,509 guests staying at Dubai hotels in 2007, 435,536 tourists were from Russia, the CIS countries and the Baltic states. The flow of holidaymakers from these regions is increasing, therefore, assistance from any side is welcome. I believe that the more Russian-speaking guides will work in the travel agencies of the city, the better. After all, tourists want to get acquainted with the country in a language they understand. The decision of DTKM on the training of professional personnel for the tourism and hospitality sectors is closely related to the UAE national policy and market requirements. We, like no one, are interested in raising the tourism market and believe that by 2010 the number of vacationers in Dubai will reach 10 million people, and in 2015 - 15 million tourists. In this regard, we are counting on any help that will allow us to achieve our goal. As one of the options, this is teaching the local youth, working in the field of tourism and hospitality, the Russian language.
- What are the forecasts of DTCM regarding the occupancy of hotel rooms for the next two to three years, or even five years?
The number of hotels in Dubai is growing every year. If the number of hotels and hotel apartments in 2007 was 444 units, and was designed for 50 306 rooms, then in 2008 - already 462 hotels provide 56 276 rooms for vacationers. In 2009, the number of hotels and furnished apartments will increase to 476 with 61,212 rooms. And by 2015, the number of hotels will reach 520 units with 93,867 rooms, which can accommodate up to 15 million tourists.
- Why are city hotels not so popular among Russian tour operators? Perhaps they are not knowledgeable about new hotels in such areas of the city as Dubai Marina, Downtown Burj Dubai?
We also touched on this topic during the past conference. Many tour operators do not inform vacationers about city hotels, because they believe that they are out of date. Most of the old city hotels are city attractions. They have affordable prices and are in close proximity to popular shopping centers.
New city hotels offer a wide range of services, and almost all have a class of 5 "stars". Each city hotel carries out daily transfers of tourists with their own buses to the beaches and shopping centers. In this case, I see a way out only in the direct cooperation of tour operators with hotels, which is mutually beneficial for both parties.
- DTKM always takes part in all major tourism exhibitions, such as MITT and Rest, in Moscow. In your opinion, should you start work at real estate exhibitions in Russia, taking into account the fact that a large number of Russian tourists come to Dubai not only to relax, but also to buy real estate?
The idea is very good, but the Dubai government and, in particular, DTKM, are not involved in real estate. This is a segment in which private sector companies operate successfully. In my opinion, they pay great attention to such specialized exhibitions in Russia and other potential markets in order to attract investors.
However, the idea is not bad, and authorities can convince developers and real estate agencies to expand their influence in working with potential investors.
- Thank you Mr. Ali, and see you at the Rest 2008 exhibition in Moscow.
