Passenger numbers are set to rise by 19 per cent on the 2013-2014 season. (Shutterstock)
Dubai cruise tourism is set for major boost with an additional 60,000 cruise tourists passing through Mina Rashid port, said a press statement.
“Dubai’s cruise season, which runs from October through to June, will see a total of 110 cruise ship calls carrying more than 381,000 passengers arriving in the city. Passenger numbers are set to rise by 19 per cent on the 2013-2014 season, meaning an additional 60,000 sea-travellers will embark, disembark or transit at Mina Rashid,” Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said in a statement.
Dubai Tourism forecasts further sustained growth for the cruise sector, spurred by the upcoming opening of an additional new 27,000 sq m terminal at the city’s main port later this season, the introduction of the new cruise tourism visa, and the work of the Cruise Arabia partnership.
Dubai Cruise Tourism, part of Dubai Tourism, is in China this week for a 5-day roadshow to promote the emirate’s strengths as a cruise tourism destination. Dubai Tourism, with four overseas offices in China, has worked closely with China’s travel trade to attract tourists to Dubai.
“Cruise tourism in China is still a relatively new industry, but it is one with huge developing potential and opportunity,” said Hamad bin Mejrin, Executive Director, Dubai Tourism.
“We already know that Dubai is a city which Chinese travellers have fallen in love with, and we want to ensure they are also made aware of the unique attractions of cruise tourism – from onboard entertainment, to special deals for families, to incredible itineraries which include amazing destinations across the Arabian Gulf and far beyond,” he said.
The number of Chinese cruise passengers who travel overseas has increased from 160,000 to 660,000 in the last six years, representing a significant growth in demand for cruise travel, and Dubai aims to be part of this growth.
Cruise Arabia is a collaborative initiative formed by Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing to promote the region as a cruise destination.
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