The Experiential Planner Expo is the most influential MICE & Weddings show of the region focusing on the most important and emerging source markets for Global Destination Tourism Boards, Convention Bureaus, Hospitality Brands, Hotel Brands, DMCs and suppliers. In 2022, EPEX went global in Dubai, UAE–serving as a hub to cater to international markets.
EPEX concentrates on the region’s most important and expanding source markets from India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Nigeria, Israel, Ghana, South Africa, and the UAE for Global Destination Tourism Boards, Convention Bureaus, Hospitality Brands, Hotel Brands, DMCs, and suppliers. EPEX went global in Dubai, UAE, in 2022, operating as a center to cater to international markets.
Sites Travel Ltd was thrilled to represent Uganda for the first time at the 2023 Experiential Planner Expo, held from September 21st to 22nd at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai. (Pic of Grand Hyatt) The organization self-identified as a qualified candidate to represent the country as an experienced and authentic Destination Management Company that will celebrate its 15th anniversary in December.
EPEX gave us the opportunity to get out there and discover what experiences Dubai has to offer in terms of weddings, group events, conferences, and meetings. To that aim, we were introduced to a slew of hotel representatives who attempted to display their properties and justify why we should choose their properties over others
On Day 1: we spent the entire morning going from booth to booth, getting to understand the features of each hotel and trying to identify how we could best collaborate with each outfit. Our goal was to clearly identify a unique selling point for each hotel so that we could focus our marketing strategy for each hotel. We interacted with hotels like Shangri La Dubai, Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi, The Radisson Red in the Dubai Silicone Oasis, Waldorf Astoria, etc. We also had the privilege to interact with hotels in Turkey like Conrad in Istanbul and Susona in Bodrum, from Cyprus we met the team from the City of Dreams Mediterranean, from Rome – Six Senses. We also met DMC partners from Dubai – from Connect World, Equifax and Rida International, from Israel – Destination Chase & Israel Experts, and Local service providers like Fern Events and Floral Allure. We met with the French Tourism Board.
The afternoon program commenced with a welcome Keynote from Ahmed AlKhaja the CEO of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. (Insert his image) Subsequent discussions were centered around unleashing the potential of the booming travel economy – How DMCs & Hotels could leverage destinations to maximally motivate travelers.
The evening gala was held in SO Uptown, a luxurious urban resort located in the Uptown Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai. It offers 5-star accommodations and is part of the SO/ Hotels brand. The hotel provides a range of amenities and services, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a lavish stay in Dubai.
Day 2: saw us getting to know service providers, and other hotels and DMCs
A key takeaway for us in relation to Ugandan visitors to Dubai is that we have advertised a finite number of possibilities to visitors, despite the fact that Dubai has an infinite diversity of options. The onus, therefore is upon us to showcase Dubai in its entirety, to ensure that they get the most out of Dubai.
Another major takeaway was that while the emirate of Dubai is the most renowned, it is not the only emirate that has something to offer.
Ras Al Khaimah, sometimes known as RAK, is located in the northern region of the UAE, between the Hajar Mountains to the east and the Arabian Gulf to the west. It borders Oman on the south and other UAE emirates such as Umm Al-Quwain, Sharjah, and Fujairah on the north. It is noted for its rich history and culture. It boasts a varied scenery including mountains, desert, and sea. It is also one of the UAE’s least densely inhabited emirates. It has actively promoted tourism and is home to a number of resorts. It actively promotes tourism and is home to a variety of attractions including magnificent beaches, historical monuments, and adventurous activities
Sites Travel Ltd is a bespoke travel and tours management agency based in Uganda.
- Email: reservations@sitestravel-ug.com
- Phone: +256 772 417 481
