Travel agents interested in expanding their knowledge of the Middle East as a destination for their clients should make plans to attend ASTA’s eighth annual International Destination Expo (IDE) in Dubai, April 3-7, 2013, ASTA  suggests.

Through its International Destination Expo, ASTA says it continues its global push to provide certified destination training provides them with the vital skills to market their business and increase sales.
 
“Dubai is an amazing, growing destination that is expected to host more than 15 million international tourists annually by 2015. We want to ensure our global travel agent members are fully equipped to fulfill their customer’s expectations on Dubai with hands-on and on-the -ground experience,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar.
 
At ASTA's 2013 International Destination Expo, attendees will discover why the key to increasing sales to Arabia is “Definitely Dubai.” With this destination training program, travel agents not only learn how to sell the destination but make personal connections with local suppliers, ASTA said.

Agents return home with ASTA’s industry-recognized Destination Specialist certification, giving them an edge over their competition. As part of the event, attendees will participate in exclusive training seminars that go beyond the ordinary and provide real-life experiences to share with their clients, says ASTA.
 
In addition to classroom training, attendees can take part in a line-up of pre- and post-tours that include Dubai’s most iconic attractions, such as the Dubai Gold/Spice Souk, downtown Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab Hotel and Jumeirah Beach. Other tours take in Dubai’s premier golfing and shopping opportunities, while history and culture lovers will have the chance to explore the Dubai Museum - Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Jumeirah Mosque and the traditional courtyard district of Bastakiya.
 
Thanks to select partnerships, ASTA is able to offer conference delegates special negotiated rates throughout Dubai. Emirates, the official airline of ASTA’s International Destination Expo, is making an exclusive offer of 30 percent off published market fares in Business and Economy class to registered attendees.
 
 IDE delegates can choose from select properties in such well-known areas as Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Beach, the Palm, Dubai International Financial Center, Business Bay or Deira. All official functions will take place at the Madinat Jumeirah but delegates may also choose from these specially selected IDE hotels: Jumeirah Group, JW Marriott Marquis, Intercontinental Dubai Festival, Pullman Hotels and Crown Plaza.

Visit www.asta.com