New UK head for Dubai Tourism
Barbel Kirchner is leaving the Dubai Department of Tourism after ten years as UK and Ireland director.
Her replacement from October 29 is Ian Scott, who joins from Eos Airlines and whose previous experience includes First Choice and Walt Disney Company.
Kirchner plans to embark on international business opportunities in marketing as well as business coaching while spending more time in her native Namibia.
“I thoroughly have enjoyed my time here and I appreciate having had the opportunity to play a role in the development of this market,” she said.
Kirchner will remain associated with Dubai Tourism in a consulting role, also to ensure a smooth transition to the new directorship for the organisation’s London-based office.
Khalid A. bin Sulayem, director general of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “We have accepted Barbel’s decision to leave with the knowledge that this step was taken due to personal reasons as she would like to spend more time with her family in Namibia and also wishes to pursue her own business interests as a marketing specialist with a base in both Namibia and the UK.
“Since 2003 the UK is Dubai’s largest source market worldwide with an anticipated supply of 700,000 business and leisure visitors this year.”
Scott described the destination’s potential as “breathtaking” due to its pace of growth and development.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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