Dubai is established as the leading cruise destination in the Middle East with figures showing an estimated increase of cruise tourists visiting Dubai of almost 80 per cent from 2008 to 2010.
p> Dubai is established as the leading cruise destination in the Middle East with figures showing an estimated increase of cruise tourists visiting Dubai of almost 80 per cent from 2008 to 2010. To promote this, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will be exhibiting at the UK Cruise Convention in Southampton from June 24-25. With more passengers and ships than ever visiting the emirate, convention delegates will also be updated about the recently opened Dubai Cruise Terminal.
The DTCM is incentivising agents with a competition offering the chance to win ?100 shopping vouchers for all delegates who come and visit the Dubai stand (S37).
The DTCM has also updated its Dubai Update website to incorporate the importance of the cruise sector, providing iinformation for agents. The ?Cruise? section of the website now includes general information about cruises in Dubai, a list of the cruise companies operating there and a cruise ship schedule for 2010 and 2011.
Visit www.dubaiupdate.co.uk/cruise/cruise.html.
Ian Scott, director UK and Ireland for the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: ?The cruise sector is becoming increasingly important to Dubai and it continues to be the destination of choice for many global cruise lines. We are exhibiting at the UK Cruise Convention to showcase what sets Dubai apart from the competition. The marked increase in cruise tourists to Dubai highlights the success of the industry. And with even more ships hubbing at the new cruise terminal, this again puts Dubai in a position to cater for future anticipated demand.?
Dubai is the only destination in the region providing a hub for cruise ships. The cruise industry is growing rapidly with over 325,000 cruise tourists expected to visit the emirate during 2010; hosting 120 ship calls. The new cruise terminal, which opened in February, has been designed to fuel Dubai's burgeoning cruise industry. Spanning an area of 3,450 square metres, the terminal can handle up to four ships simultaneously, catering for the emirate?s increasing number of cruise tourists.
