Dubai Set To Welcome 15 Cruise Ships In 2005

“Cruise Terminal Contributing To Dubai Tourism’s Phenomenal Growth” - bin Sulayem

Cruise tourists from different parts of the world have started coming to Dubai to enjoy its world-class attractions and the emirate is expected to get a big boost with the projected arrival of 13,000 visitors through 15 cruise ships in the year 2005.

Two cruise ships, AIDAblu and Silver Shadow, recently visited Dubai with a total of over 3,700 passengers from 21 nationalities on board.

Cruise tourism has witnessed phenomenal growth in the recent years and Dubai’s state-of-the-art cruise terminal has been playing host to an increasing number of visitors each passing year.

Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: “Cruise tourism plays a crucial role in the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in Dubai. We realized its importance long ago and created the infrastructure and services that were needed to tap its potential.”

He added: “There has been an impressive growth in cruise tourist arrivals since the start of the Dubai Cruise Terminal. We will continue to devote our efforts to further promote this economically-crucial sector of the tourism industry.”

Dubai emerged formally on the world cruise map in 1993 when it welcomed a cruise ship with 703 passengers on board. Cruise ships with 10,000 passengers were scheduled to visit Dubai this year.

Mr. bin Sulayem added that the bulk of the cruise tourists come from the UK and the US markets.

In a survey, 80 per cent of the cruise passengers in Dubai revealed that they would extend their visit to the emirate during their next visit and 95 per cent said they would recommend others to visit Dubai to enjoy its all-appealing facilities, pristine beaches and unparalleled shopping options.

Mr. bin Sulayem said Dubai leads the Middle East in the cruise ship passenger exchange during their itineraries.

Dubai is considered as the home to one of the best cruise terminals and its world-class facility received global recognition when it won the best cruise terminal prize in a trade show in Miami in the US.

Operated by the DTCM, the Dubai Cruise Terminal was inaugurated by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defense Minister and Chairman of the DTCM on 26th March 2001.

The ship-shaped building is located on a 335-metre quay offering the capacity to berth two ships simultaneously, while the terminal itself is around 3,300 square meters in size.

The Dubai Cruise Terminal is the world’s first to receive ISO-9002 certification and also the world’s only cruise facility run by the government tourism body.

As part of the aggressive promotional campaign for the cruise tourism, the department is participating in the Seatrade Middle East Maritime event in Dubai from December 6 to 8.

-ENDS-

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
BIZ COM
Ajay Rajguru, DTCM Media Consultant
T: +97150 6242305
Email: arajguru@yahoo.com

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