Dubai Cruise Tourism participates in sea trade Europe industry conference

DUBAI: Dubai Cruise Tourism participated in the global industry conference Seatrade Europe in Hamburg from September 24-26 as part of ongoing efforts to promote Dubai’s cruise offering around the world. DTCM Director of Cruise Tourism Jamal Al-Falasi represented Dubai Cruise Tourism and participated along with delegations from more than 40 countries across the globe.

The Dubai Cruise stand showcased the world-class facilities Dubai offers passengers and cruise operators alike with the aim of further consolidating the Emirate’s position as the regional cruise tourism hub. The stand also displayed a range of services by some of DTCM’s partners in the industry including Inchcape Shipping Services, Orient Tours, Rais Hassan Saadi Group and Sharaf Tours.

Speaking ahead of the conference, DTCM Executive Director of Business Tourism, Hamad Bin Mejren said: “We are extremely pleased with the positive reception of DTCM’s participation in Seatrade Europe. “We have worked hard over the last twelve months to ensure Dubai’s cruise facilities are amongst the best in the world with dedicated facilities spanning over 20,000 square meters and a new cruise terminal building under construction which will add another 27,000 square meters and enable Dubai to handle complete passenger turnaround of five cruise ships simultaneously. DTCM looks forward to demonstrating what we have achieved to delegates.

“Dubai, with its year-round sunshine, calm waters and superb geography, is fast becoming a leading global cruise destination, popular with both passengers and operators. “We are confident that our efforts to promote Dubai at Seatrade Europe will lead to increased interest in cruising into or out of Dubai.” Held annually, Seatrade Europe brings together buyers, planners, suppliers and key decision makers from all parts of Europe’s river and ocean cruise industries.

More than 150 exhibitors are expected to take part in the conference. This year’s conference program focuses on the key topics including the state of the cruise industry in Europe, the cruise line-port interface, shipbuilding and refurbishment, F&B and hotel, onboard revenue, environmental advances in technology, itineraries and deployment and training sessions.

DTCM is committed to playing a significant role in meeting the Dubai government target of bringing 20 million visitors to the emirate by 2020. The popularity of Dubai’s cruise offering has grown sharply in recent years as efforts by DTCM to promote it globally have taken effect.

In 2012-13 season, 116 ships carrying 410,906 passengers were processed through Dubai’s Cruise Terminals. Enthusiasm for cruising remains high in Europe, with over 38% German cruise passengers visiting Dubai in 2012.