Cruise along with Dubai

Hamad Mohammed Bin Mejren, Senior VP, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), on growing leisure, cruise market

Elaborating on the development of the hotel market in Dubai, Mejren says, “By 2020 we are looking to have the proper infrastructure. I am happy to see the room supply passed a hundred thousand. By 2020 we are looking to having 150 to 160 thousand rooms to accommodate the expected 20 million visitors for the Expo 2020. The visitors for the expo are different from the Dubai visitors. We are getting ready for all kinds of airport capacity, transport capacity, hospitals, hotel rooms all compliment to his highness's vision of receiving this number of visitors.”

INDIAN MARKET VITAL

He believes that the Indian market is very important for Dubai. “Indian travellers comprise of 80 per cent leisure and 20 per cent business. The numbers of Indians who visited Dubai last year, reached 1.8 million. This makes it the number one source market for us. In my 22 years with Dubai tourism, I have only seen growth with the Indian market. Indians can access Dubai, much easier than they think. It's very close to them. Visa processes are very easy. I am in charge of cruise tourism in the area; we have introduced the multiple entry visa for Indians. Specifically for cruise passengers, this is at a cost of Dh200 ($50) only. When you book a cruise, you get a one month multiple entry visa. This is a huge incentive for Indians to come," he said.

CRUISING ALL THE WAY

Elaborating on the developing cruise industry, he adds, “Our cruise business has evolved from 17,000 cruise passengers in 2001 to 600,000 cruise passengers this season. We built our first cruise terminal in 2001. In 2006 we succeeded in attracting cruise ships to home port in Dubai. Ever since we have seen growth in number of passengers, growth in number of ship calls. Due to its air connectivity, Dubai becomes the hub. From Dubai you can sail the entire region. Some cruise lines even go up to India, visiting Oman, and West coast of India, Cochin, Mumbai and Goa.”

We have introduced the multiple entry visa for cruise passengers, at a cost of Dh200 ($50)