Mobilise potential to further develop tourism industry: Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stressed on Tuesday the need for lending focused attention to the development of the tourism sector in Dubai, in particular, and the UAE, in general.

Sheikh Mohammed called on the federal and local tourism-related entities during a tour of the 18th Arabian Travel Market Exhibition 2011 to intensify their efforts and mobilise all their potentials at hand to develop a flourishing and promising tourism industry.

Staged at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Arabian Travel Market, spanning more the 20,000 square metres of floor space and over 2,200 exhibitors, is the industry's leading travel and tourism exhibition dedicated to unlocking the business potential within the Middle East. Uniting key market players from six continents, Arabian Travel Market is four days of intensive meetings, seminars, press conferences and social networking opportunities.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the unrivalled assets and infrastructure that lay the foundation for a vibrant tourist industry, citing among others magnificent beaches, warm sun, gold enchanting desert, world-class facilities, and Arabian hospitality.

Sheikh Mohammed, who was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, and a number of top officials, toured the exhibition floor, which featured local and regional representatives showcasing a broad range of accommodation options, tourism attractions, new developments, new airline routes and travel technology.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the pavilions of Dubai Holding Company, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Airports, and Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was satisfied with the growing momentum as well as the quantitative and qualitative growth of the ATM - indicators that promise of a prosperous tourism industry in the UAE and the region at large.

At the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed lauded the maiden national campaign for promotion of heritage tourism. The Council's Director General Mohammed Al Muhairi presented to Sheikh Mohammed a book on ''Archaeology in UAE'' which was issued by the council as part of the campaign.

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