Emirates Airline’s strategy of sponsoring global sports events has helped bring the Louis Vuitton Classic to Dubai this November. The Louis Vuitton Classic is one of the sailing world’s most prestigious races, and is one of four in the Louis Vuitton Trophy’s 2010-2011 calendar. It is part of an effort to keep the America-Cup style racing alive while internal disputes in the oldest trophy in sports are resolved.
Chairman and Chief Executive of Louis Vuitton, Yves Carcelle said “It is clear that Dubai deserves an event of this category, with the support that the emirate has always put behind sailing in the last few years.” Emirates has long used sport sponsorship as a cornerstone of its marketing strategy, and plans to spend Dh600 million (US$163.3m) on sponsorships and events in 2010-2011. Its range of sponsorships includes Dubai Tennis Championships, Arsenal Football Club, and AC Milan.