Winning Expo 2020 bid will accelerate growth of the tourism industry

Hosting Expo 2020 will have a significant impact on the tourism industry of Dubai and the U.A.E., and provide a unique platform on which to communicate the remarkable story of a young city and nation, according to Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre. Speaking from Paris, shortly after Dubai was announced as the winning host city for Expo 2020 at the final vote counting yesterday, Helal Saeed Almarri said: "From the outset, Dubai's Expo bid was part of the government's long-term vision that ensures sustainable national development and a prosperous future for the UAE. Hosting Expo 2020 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that will be maximised to accelerate the growth of the tourism industry in Dubai, the UAE and the wider GCC region. We are honoured to have been chosen as the host nation and would like to thank the support and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai for his incomparable vision; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority. He added, "The legacy of holding such an event in Dubai is where the real value lies. A wide range of sectors will benefit, including construction, engineering and transportation, and of course the hospitality, retail and aviation sectors will experience a significant positive impact, further strengthening their already robust positions. "Our successful bid demonstrated the value in harnessing the collective power, resources and passion of all of our city stakeholders and the people of the UAE and we will ensure that the world is welcomed in style in 2020."