Dubai Tourism and its city partners have stimulated interest from African markets after a series of exciting on-ground consumer and trade activations at the Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos in November.
With Nigeria increasingly becoming one of Dubai’s best-performing African markets, with over 300,000 visitors arriving in Dubai from the country in 2014, Dubai Tourism’s participation reinforced its interest in the Nigeria as it looks to increase the tourism from the country as well as the African Continent in 2016.
The Akwaaba African Travel Market was held from 22-24 November in Lagos, Nigeria, where Dubai Tourism was joined by city partners including Emaar, Emirates, Arabian Adventures, Desert Gate and Dubai Parks and Resorts to highlight Dubai’s attractive shopping and entertainment offerings. Receiving positive feedback, Dubai Tourism won ‘best international stand’ at its inaugural Gala Dinner at the travel market.
Speaking after the Akwaaba African Travel Market, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said, “Dubai already holds great appeal among African travellers, particularly those who seek shopping, entertainment and family fun from their holidays. The market’s response to our presence at Akwaaba African Travel Market has exceeded all our expectations. Our key partners have agreed we will continue to work with local partners here to build this trade relationships and grow the market here and across Sub-Saharan markets, to the benefit of all.”
The visit was timed with Dubai Tourism’s launch of its advertising and consumer campaign in Nigeria, highlighting Dubai Shopping Festival. This included an enticing consumer prize giveaway with local venues and radio stations, offering 200 people the chance to win a trip to Dubai Shopping Festival 2016.
Commenting on the competition, Stella Obinwa said: “The reaction to the competition is unprecedented – we have been inundated. This country has a special affinity with Dubai, and the promotion tapped into this. We see this as an excellent way to give more Nigerians a Dubai experience that will lead to repeat and growing visitation.”
With brand new hotels, several new attractions and world class theme parks opening in 2016, Dubai Tourism will continue to focus on attracting travellers from African markets with promotional activities for Dubai Food Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, Eid in Dubai and many more.
Source: Emirates news agency
