"In line with the DTCM Strategic Plan, we expect some 10 million tourists landing by 2010 and 15 million by the end of 2015," said Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, executive director for media relations and acting director for Business Dev-elopment at the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai's tourism regulatory body.

In an interview with Agence France Press TV, he said the DTCM will set up its offices in different countries and regions to attract more tourists.

Dubai's fast-expanding portfolio of hotels and hotel apartments registered a surge of 25.8 per cent at 50,306 units in 2007 and is expected to rise 3.4 per cent by 2010 at 63,317 units and jump to 48.2 per cent by 2016 when the total units will cross 93,867. With 82 per cent occupancy rate, the Hotel and Hotel apartments generated revenue of Dh13.262 billion in 2007.

Dubai's international airport received over 34 million passengers in 2007 even as the fast-expanding, passenger-friendly facility - billed as the world's second most-favourite international airport - gets worldwide recognition. These facts are instrumental in multiplying the number of tourists over the years.

Responding to a question about the launch of a new budget airline, Abdul Rahman said such an airline would enhance the accessibility of Dubai to a much bigger community of tourists.

"The affordable airline, coupled with economic rates for hotels in Dubai, will go a long way to attracting bigger numbers of tourists and opening up Dubai to the middle class in the world to experience the unique combination of tradition and modern concepts of luxury," he said.