Flydubai joins Emirates in DTCM’s Kids Go Free campaign

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has strengthened its Kids Go Free 2011 campaign to boost inbound summer tourist traffic to Dubai, the agency said today in a statement.

“The DTCM has engaged Emirates Airline and FlyDubai – Dubai’s two great carriers – and a host of hotels, resorts, restaurants and entertainment venues to offer tourists the best experiences,” it said.

Launched in 2009, Kids Go Free is a tourism promotion concept that encourages families to travel together under a value-added tour package to offer the best tourism experience. With discounted airfare, rooms, meals, site-seeing and entertainment vouchers, a family could look for the best value for their money spent in tourism.

The DTCM said that the ‘Kids Go Free’ program has grown in strength and relevance since its inception. “The international travel trade showed great support to Dubai with enthusiastic uptake and sales. Dubai was one of the first cities to build a platform that brought its hotels, airlines, travel operators and key partners under one banner for the summer period – an achievement in itself,” it said.

Ameera Jokhadar, Head of Industry Relations Business Development at the DTCM, briefed more than 200 hoteliers, travel and tour operators at a briefing on Kids Go Free campaign recently.

“This year, we have more choice for everyone as more hotels are participating including both by the beach and in the city; more inventory has been allocated allowing the trade to sell more; a host of new restaurants have been added to enjoy great cuisines from across the world while more activities have been included for children with new leisure attractions and activities,” she said.

Dubai has become one of the most attractive destinations for families as it offers some of the most exciting deals from the minute one arrives in the city, Jokhadar said. “Children continue to stay, dine and play for free and parents get great discount privileges to go shopping at some of the world’s most incredible shopping malls,” she said.

“Dubai stands strongly behind the program with more impactful promotional activity,” Jokhadar said. “More impact with travel partners also taking the Kids Go Free in Dubai program forward with their own promotional campaigns.”

Under the Kids Go Free 2011, children under the age of 12, stay, dine and play for free this summer, when accompanied by two paying adults. The package offers up to 50 per cent discount on Emirates when booking either economy or business class. Additionally, it offers free accommodation and meals for two kids under 12 years for every two paying adults at the hotel booked to stay in.

Additionally, up to 2 children under 12 years of age will receive a NOL Card issued by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to be used on all public transportation. However, packages come with a minimum duration of three nights with the option of booking additional nights available at over 70 selected hotels ranging from 3- to 5-star city or beach and standard or deluxe hotel apartments.

The offer is valid from May 14 until September 30, 2011.