DTCM GOES ALL OUT TO ATTRACT EUROPEAN CRUISE BUSINESS

Senior cruise marketing representatives from the Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) are currently in Hamburg, Germany representing Dubai at the Cruise Live Exhibition (27th & 28th October), to be followed by the Seatrade Europa Conference (29th to 31st October) as part of an ongoing drive to target the European cruise business.

"Our participation at the Cruise Live Exhibition is designed to network with professionals in the cruise industry, and to showcase the Dubai Cruise Terminal to a far-reaching Pan-European audience," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem.

He noted that the department would subsequently attend the Seatrade Europa Conference to reflect on current and developing cruise industry issues. "This conference covers an expansive range of topics including marketing and distribution, travel, operations, ship design, food & beverage among others and is vital for any destination or port trying to attract increased cruise business," stressed Mr. bin Sulayem.

He remarked that Europe offers immense potential for the cruise business. "There are exciting prospects across Europe and it has been rated as the fastest growing source market for cruise passengers in the world," Mr. bin Sulayem said.

DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer is representing the department at both the events. Dubai is leading the way forward in developing cruise tourism to the region and has constructed a ship-shaped cruise terminal that is the only dedicated cruise facility in the Arabian Gulf.

The terminal recently welcomed the United States cruise liner Silver Shadow on October 26th with nearly 300 American and European passengers on board. The Dubai Cruise Terminal has been created to attract more cruise lines to winter in the region, as well as to provide streamlined passenger facilities for the growing number of passenger ships using Dubai as a turnaround port.

The development of the cruise line business in the emirate was initiated by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of the DTCM. Cruise tourism is one of the most rapidly developing sectors of international travel. It is also a quality sector of the industry, well suited to Dubai's efforts to emphasize up-market tourism.