Dubai unveils new cruise terminal at Seatrade Europe

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) participated in the 2009 edition of Seatrade Europe held at Hamburg Messe Fairground in Germany from September 15 to 17.

Dubai Stand had seven co-participants - Rais Hassan Saadi Group, Gulf Agency Co. (Dubai), Alpha Tours, Centre of the World Tours, SNTTA Emir Cruises, Travco and Emirates Airline.

Mr. Hamad bin Mejren, DTCM Executive Director Business Tourism, who led the Dubai delegation, said the mood of the cruise tourism industry was upbeat at the Seatrade Europe, the meeting place for high-level figures involved in the North European cruise, ferry and river cruise industries.

More than 3000 participants took part in the conference, exhibition and social programme while over 60 speakers discussed a broad range of topics, including pricing strategies and itineraries. Nearly 250 suppliers from 50 countries showcased their products and services at the show.

DTCM, which is upbeat about cruise tourism gaining further ground in the emirate in the coming season, utilized the exhibition to unveil details about the new cruise terminal scheduled to open in January 2010.

Mr. Hamad said: “Dubai has invested heavily in the tourism sector and better placed to remain sound during this challenging time. We strongly believe that Dubai may emerge faster than other regions when the global economy improves. As for cruise tourism, I can proudly say that Dubai is head and shoulders above other destinations and look forward to a period of wonderful growth.”

The cruise industry is rapidly growing with 260,817 cruise tourists predicted to visit the emirate during 2009; nearly a 25 per cent increase on last year. In 2010, Dubai is expected to host 99 ships with over 383,000 passengers with the burgeoning cruise industry set to grow further as the new Dubai Cruise Terminal becomes fully operational.

The new Dubai Cruise Terminal has been built to cater for increased number of cruise tourists and ships. It is the only cruise terminal in the world operated by a government department of tourism which means it can provide extra attention to every visitor and enhance the experience including certified tour guides and a swift entry system with no visa issues for visitors.

The new terminal spans an area of 3,450 square metres and is designed to handle more than three to four ships simultaneously.

The terminal will have a tourist support infrastructure which includes facilities like money exchange, ATM machine, post office outlet, duty free shop, souvenir shops, gift shops, and business centre with free internet access, Wi-Fi enabled for lap top users, VIP Majlis, and toilets with access to physically challenged etc.

The next Seatrade Europe convention takes place at Hamburg Messe Fairground, from September 27 – 29, 2011.