ASTORIA BRING 665 TOURISTS ON A TWO-DAY HOLIDAY
33% JUMP IN CRUISE TOURISTS EXPECTED IN 2005
Dubai's most-promising cruise tourism industry is set to receive the first cruise ship of the 2005 season with the arrival of Astoria at the emirate's state-of-the-art passenger cruise terminal next month.
The emirate is hopeful about the year 2005 witnessing over 33 % growth in cruise passengers compared with the previous year which hosted close to 8,000 cruise tourists.
Mr. Awadh Al Seghayer, Acting Manager of the Dubai Cruise Terminal, operated by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: "The cruise ship will be stationed in Dubai for two days from February 2 and will be subject to a passenger exchange programme. The bulk of the passengers on the cruise ship will be German nationals."
He added: "We look forward to start the New Year on an aggressive note and the arrival of the cruise ship from Germany is expected to enhance our image of an ideal year-round business and leisure destination."
The cruise passengers will go on a tour of the fascinating emirate in addition to going on the thrilling desert safari and enchanting cruise dinner along the Dubai Creek.
Cruise tourists from across the world are expected to be around 12,000 this year, up from an approximately 8,000 visitors last year. As many as 15 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive in Dubai in 2005.
Last year closed with the arrival of two cruise ships, AIDAblu and Silver Shadow, with a total of over 3,700 passengers from 21 nationalities on board.
Dubai's cruise tourism industry has undergone phenomenal growth in the recent years and Dubai's state-of-the-art cruise terminal plays host to an increasing number of visitors.
Mr. Awadh said: "Cruise tourism is important to the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in Dubai. We realized its importance long ago and started creating world-class infrastructure and services that were needed to tap its immense potential."
Dubai emerged formally on the world cruise map in 1993 when it welcomed a cruise ship with 703 passengers on board.
The Dubai Cruise Terminal is working towards attracting cruise tourists from top three markets of the UK, US and Germany.
In a survey conducted by the DTCM, an overwhelming 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.
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.
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 facility 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.
-Ends-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MOHAMMED ABDUL MANNAN
Executive, Media Relations
Telephone: +971 4 201 0421
Fax: +971 4 201 0412
Email: mmannan@dubaitourism.ae
SHILPI PILLAI
Officer, Media Relations
Telephone +971 4 201 0462
Fax:+971 4 201 0412
Email: spillai@dubaitourism.ae
© Press Release 2005
