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Dubai: Projects with innovative concepts, conducive investment-friendly climate as well as a robust exhibitions and events sector have collectively shaped Dubai as one of most thriving destinations for business tourism, according to the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (Site).
Site, a not-for-profit, international professional association devoted to the pursuit of excellence in incentives said in its recent report that Dubai is one of the most popular destinations in the world for companies organising overseas meetings and incentive travel.
"Dubai has always been characterised as a place to trade and conduct business, a place where markets and merchants come together. This characteristic element gives Dubai the momentum to thrive while defining a new, modern emirate," said World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) President Jean-Claude Baumgarten.
The trend of increasing business tourism comes as no surprise when the growth in Dubai's tourism industry is taken into consideration. According to the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing Department, the total number of tourists booking into hotels in Dubai increased to 6.44 million in 2007 from 5.42 million in 2004.
Dubai alone hosts over 100 major international exhibitions making itself the region's leading destination for conferences, seminars and events. Some of the major trade events that have evolved with Dubai include Gitex, Cabsat, The Big 5, Arab Media Forum, Arabian Travel Market, DIFC Week, and Dubai International Boat Show.
"Dubai's travel and tourism sector continues to grow at an impressive rate. Hundreds of thousands of business visitors and exhibitors increase the demand for accommodations, restaurant services, transportation and other related amenities," said Baumgarten.
From April 20 to 22, Dubai will host the Global Travel and Tourism Summit. The summit is a platform for leading businessmen and decision makers from around the world to discuss latest trends in the travel and tourism sector.
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