Indian incentive for Dubai
Steen Jakobsen, Director, Dubai Business Events, elaborates on the importance of the Indian market and Dubai's growing popularity as a global MICE destination
Kindly share statistics about the Indian MICE travellers to Dubai? How is the market developing?
In 2015, India became Dubai's number one source market for overnight visitors, and this position was consolidated in 2016 with an 11 per cent year-onyear increase in visitor numbers. India statistically has a higher percentage of business visitors travelling to Dubai than from many other markets, which is testament to its significance to and impact on the overall tourism and business events sector.
Seeing the strategic importance of India and its contribution in terms of business travellers to Dubai, Dubai Business Events set up a dedicated office in Mumbai just last year. We have also recently announced the appointment of Vinit Toke who is responsible for promoting Dubai as a business events destination in the Indian market.
What are the new market opportunities and challenges for MICE in Dubai?
One of the main trends that has emerged recently and is proving to be an opportunity is called ‘bleisure' – when tourists combine business and leisure. A BridgeStreet Global Hospitality Report on Bleisure Travel states that a vast majority (83%) of respondents use time on business trips to explore the rest of the city. Dubai has the region's largest exhibition centre, leisure attractions, such as the recently opened IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks & Resorts have recognised the trend of bleisure. The security and safety of both visitors and residents is of paramount importance to the governments of Dubai and the UAE. In fact, the UAE is one of the safest places in the world, ranked in the top three for safety and security according to the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitive Report 2015. How was the year 2016 for you? What main events, convention and exhibitions do you have lined up for 2017?
In 2016, Dubai Business Events witnessed its most successful year to date, winning a record 129 bids and proposals for upcoming conferences, meetings, and incentive trips. The number of future business events secured increased by 79 per cent, consolidating Dubai's position as a leading destination for business events.
The economic impact of these events is estimated at close to AED400 million and will bring in an estimated 75,000 additional visitors to Dubai over the course of the next 6 years. Notable wins included the Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Annual Congress 2017, the World Congress of Cardiology 2018 and the World Down Syndrome Congress 2020.
Through our partnership with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dubai World Trade Centre on the creation of the Dubai Association Centre, we have built quite a strong proposition for associations and as a result, we will see a growing number of association meetings and conferences take place in Dubai over the coming years.
What kind of incentives do you offer to big corporate groups from India?
Dubai Business Events offers a premier and accessible service that partners with, and facilitates partnerships for, business event planners and companies around the world. Our team of people, with highly specialised knowledge about Dubai, offer impartial advice, guidance and support to international business event organisers, ensuring delegates experience a truly memorable event.
– The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai Al Habtoor City, and The Westin Dubai Al Habtoor City – each offering a world of options in terms of rooms, meeting spaces, dining and lounges.
Key USP: Offers a world of options in terms of rooms, meeting spaces.
JW Marriott Hotel Dubai: Set in the city's flourishing business district, just ten minutes away from Dubai International Airport, the luxury hotel reflects the city's modern, vibrant personality. Its award-winning conference facility boasts over 2,900 square feet of modern meeting space. They promise high-speed Internet access and state-of-the-art audiovisual services in each conference room. Ballrooms can be reserved for a large corporate conference with up to a 1000 guests. They also have an experienced events staff to help y coordinate your Dubai meeting.
Key USP: Award-winning conference facility boasts over 2,900 square feet of modern meeting spaces.
PROFESSIONAL CONGRESS ORGANISERS Congress Solutions International (CSI)
CSI is the leading PCO in the UAE and Middle East through active partnership with local government groups. MCI Dubai
MCI in the Middle East started its operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Business Centre of the Middle East, against the backdrop of the immense growth for DMC, AMC and PCO. Meeting Minds Dubai
Home based in the United Arab Emirates, they provide full service professional conference organising, etc.