MR. THOMAS GOTTSCHALK ONCE AGAIN IN DUBAI WITH FAMILY FOR A SUMMER EXPERIENCE
DUBAI ONE OF THE TOP DESTINATIONS IN HIS LIST OF MUST-SEE PLACES
Leading German Celebrity Mr. Thomas Gottschalk, who hosts the biggest European live TV show and who enjoys a popularity rating of 100 per cent in the German speaking world, is in Dubai once again - this time with family following his wonderful experience during his last visit just two months ago.
According to Mr. Thomas Gottschalk, "I am really glad that I came to Dubai two months ago on the invitation of my friend. I was so impressed with this city that I decided to bring my family on holiday to this wonderful city to experience it for themselves."
Mr. Gottschalk and his family were received by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) staff on his arrival at the airport.
Commenting on his impressions about the emirate prior to his first visit, Mr. Gottschalk said: "Before coming here I really didn't know what to expect and was concerned about finding adequate medical attention if the need arose, of proper hotels to stay and generally about my comfort. But I was really surprised as I stepped out of the airport when I saw a truly modern bustling city where the new and the old blended so easily and beautifully."
"Dubai is a city which has managed to preserve its past well with all the modern amenities to make life comfortable which any traveler looks for. I can truly say that it is a city that cares which takes into account the comforts of its visitors, where people are so happy and a place where there is year round sunshine.
"I have visited many cities around the world but Dubai is one city which I would rate among the top destinations in all respects from safety, comfort to sites to visit. During my last visit I had a glimpse of 'The World' project which was just beginning to take shape and I am looking forward to seeing its development during this visit," he added.
Mr. Gottschalk's show, which is telecast live every Saturday evening once a month, enjoys a viewer ship of more than 20 million with 20,000 visitors live at the event itself. Nearly five to 10,000 visitors are present at international destinations.
His show consists of three elements. The first element includes the involvement of celebrity guests invited by him at the show from Boris Becker, Julia Roberts, Kevin Costner to Hugh Grant. Secondly, his shows act as a platform where international artists like Madonna, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Shakira, Elton John and Jennifer Lopez among others often promote new songs or musicals. Lastly, the main theme of his shows revolves around bets wherein participants show special skills and amazing achievements.
Dubai is increasingly becoming popular with Germans who are choosing Dubai as a most favorable holiday destination. While the number of German guests in Dubai hotels touched 156,682 last year, the number of tour operators featuring Dubai in their programme during 2003/2004 was 116. The number of weekly flights between Dubai and Germany is currently 92 while there were 221 German companies based in Dubai in 2002 and 86 in Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Dubai's trade with Germany too has seen an impressive rise of 21 per cent from AED 6.2 billion to AED 7.5 billion.
DTCM has been actively involved in promoting Dubai in the German market by participating in various exhibitions. Recent exhibitions participated in include the IMEX held in Frankfurt besides the ITB held in Berlin which has further helped to generate interest in the emirate.
Mr. Gottschalk, who arrived on July 30, 2004, is in Dubai until August 3, 2004.
-Ends-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MOHAMMED ABDUL MANNAN
Executive,
Media Relations
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Tel: 223 00 00
Fax: 223 00 22
Email: mmannan@dubaitourism.ae
SHILPI PILLAI
Officer,
Media Relations
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Tel: 223 00 00
Fax: 223 00 22
Email: spillai@dubaitourism.ae
© Press Release 2004
