Bin Sulayem
Dubai's tourism sector witnessed 26.5 per cent growth during the first six months of the current year - and the outlook for the full year indicates a further increase despite what has been a difficult period for aviation, travel and tourism, said a top government official.

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is leading a 70-member travel trade delegation to the World Travel Market to be held in London to highlight Dubai's attractions as a tourism destination.

"We have achieved a 26.5 per cent growth during the first six months of the current year. We are currently finalising the tourism intake figures for the first three quarters.

The trend shows a further growth and we are confident of having an increased year-end growth in the number of visitors to the emirate," said Khalid A. bin Sulayem, DTCM director general.

Bin Sulayem also addressed a European media delegation comprising 170 senior members of the European press at the annual conference of Thomas Cook AG:Neckermann held at the Fairmont Hotel.

This is the first time the largest European tour organisers are hosting the conference in the Middle East.

Sulayem said: "Dubai has now gained international recognition as one of the most exciting new business, tourism and leisure centres in the world today.

"The emirate has matured into a unique, year-round, upmarket destination that continues to exceed the expectations of the most discerning visitors with its world-class service, facilities and, of course, its award-winning safety record.

"In 2001, hotel establishment guest numbers rose to over 3.6 million. There has been a substantial increase in hotel guests during the first half of this year to reach 1.91 million - a phenomenal growth of 26.5 per cent over the same period last year.

"By the end of this year we expect to reach 4.5 million hotel establishment guests and we are gearing up to host in excess of 5 million by next year in the true tradition of Arabian hospitality.

"Dubai also continues to emerge as the regional trading hub attracting major international inward investment. German investment in Dubai continues and currently there are over 130 German companies based in Dubai and 67 in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

"Our optimism is justified by recent developments like the decision by Thomas Cook to start two weekly charters to Dubai for this winter season."

Thomas Cook serves 14 million guests annually, has 28,000 employees on its payroll, owns 86 aircraft, 14,407 travel agents under contract, 3,600 of its own travel agents and a 22.87 per cent market share.