As part of a strategic institutional and commercial promotional tour across Latin America, Mohammad J. Fathi, Head of the Americas, Spain and Portugal at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), offered important insights into the current situation in the emirate and the growing relevance of the Latin American market in its expansion plans.

The meeting took place in Bogotá during an exclusive working breakfast at Harry Sasson restaurant, bringing together leading tourism operators, industry wholesalers and selected members of the specialized press. The event was organized by tourism representation firm AVIAREPS Colombia, under the leadership of Carlos Arturo Valbuena Barrios, General Manager of the company in Colombia, who served as host, moderator and interpreter throughout the event.

Sustained Growth and Regional Resilience

During his presentation, Fathi highlighted the dynamism that countries across the region have shown in recent months in terms of traveler flows to the Arab emirate, describing the market's response as a key driver of Dubai's global tourism recovery and growth.

“Latin America has responded extremely positively to the progress and infrastructure our city has developed over the past few months. We have seen a very favorable response and steady growth from this region over the last two months. We are fully confident that we will continue at this pace of growth and confidence as the months go by,” Fathi told attendees.

The executive emphasized that his presence in Colombia is part of a tour that included strategic stops in Brazil and Argentina and will continue in Mexico, with the aim of strengthening ties with the region's commercial partners.

Meanwhile, Carlos Arturo Valbuena Barrios, representing AVIAREPS Colombia, reaffirmed the company's commitment to continuing to train the local sales force, promoting connectivity and strengthening the commercialization of Dubai's tourism offering, which ranges from luxury and business tourism to world-class cultural and family experiences.

A Safe and Fully Operational Destination

One of the key messages conveyed by the DET representative was Dubai's stability and readiness to continue welcoming international travelers with the highest standards of quality and safety. Fathi emphasized the transparency with which the Emirati government shares information with the travel industry.

“I am simply here representing the government, with complete transparency, to tell you everything that is happening and answer your questions. Rest assured that Dubai is a safe destination and is almost 100% operational. We come from a resilient part of the world, and our community has come together to demonstrate that same resilience,” the senior official stressed.

Solidarity with Colombia and AVIAREPS Support

At the beginning of his remarks, Fathi expressed his solidarity with the host country, offering his condolences following the recent earthquakes in Colombia:

“I know that the Colombian people are resilient, and I am very confident that you and we will overcome any difficult moment together.”