Dubai has strengthened its position as one of the most important cruise ship destinations in the world, concluding the cruise season 2019-2018 with a record increase of 51% in the number of tourists, and 38% in the number of trips, compared to last season.
During this season, Dubai, through the passenger terminal at Mina Rashid, the leading tourist destination in the Middle East, and the award-winning cruise ship port, received 846,176 visitors, 152 flights, compared to 558,781 visitors across 110 flights during the 2018 season. 2017.
It also confirmed the launch of 211 tourism trips during the next season 2020-2019.
The steady growth in the number of visitors reflects the strong cooperation between the members of the Dubai Maritime Tourism Committee, namely: Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing Department, Dubai Ports World, Emirates Region, Port Rashid Operator, Emirates Airline and the General Directorate of Residency and Affairs. Foreigners and Dubai Customs aim to establish Dubai as a leading cruise destination.
The tourism season 2018-2019 witnessed an exceptional event, which included the reception of 14 cruise ships in its first landing in Dubai, in addition to many international operators who took the port as the starting point. Port Rashid welcomes next season the return of cruise ships Tui Cruises, Aida Cruises, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Boulemantour Cruises, P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises. The end of the season with the sailing of «Karnica», a subsidiary of «Galish Cruises», the first Indian cruise ship from Dubai port of departure for its flights.
Growing momentum
“The figures show that P&O marinas are moving in the right direction to promote Dubai as a global destination for maritime tourism,” said Mina Rashid, CEO of Mina Rashid. The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Terminal is one of the most important facilities that enhance this outstanding performance. It can accommodate 14,000 passengers a day, and we are always optimistic about the growing number of visitors growing every year. In Port Rashid ».
“Dubai's growing momentum, as a major international cruise ship port, will enhance luxury marine tourism and connect Dubai to new destinations. We will continue to work closely with our strategic partners to support the efforts of the Dubai Maritime Tourism Committee and strengthen the emirate's position as a key tourism hub. Marine in the region.
Strong indicator
Hamad Bin Mejren, Senior Vice President of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: `` The success of the 2018-2019 marine tourism season is a strong indicator of the growth of this vital tourism sector in Dubai, and Dubai's ability to achieve remarkable growth rates, and establish “Dubai Tourism is delighted to welcome once again the world's leading cruise management companies, and to select Dubai as a starting point for its regional and international tourism programs.” "We will continue to work with our partners to enhance Dubai's position and accessibility through ongoing development and upgrading of operational operations at cruise ports so we can welcome more operators in the coming seasons."
Marine Tourism
The development of the maritime tourism industry in Dubai to reach its full potential is in line with the Dubai Silk Line strategy developed by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, in cooperation with key government agencies. The strategy encompasses nine initiatives, resulting from 33 projects, and includes strengthening the strategic and operational connectivity of logistics between DP World terminals worldwide.
Since its opening in 2014, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Terminal has received more than 2.3 million visitors, an increase of 172% compared to the end of 2018.
Port Rashid has the capacity to receive and handle seven giant cruise ships at the same time, while the expansion is continuing to improve its capabilities through a world-class entertainment area, emulating the wonderful cultural heritage of Dubai. Improved for private yachts seeking to make Dubai their anchorage, the station will be one of the world's most important cruise ship hubs.The 2019-2020 cruise season is set to begin on October 19, with the Mine Chef, a Dubai-based cruise ship docked. More than 6000 tourists.