Dubai has strengthened its position as one of the most important cruise ship destinations in the world, concluding the 2019-2018 cruise season with a record increase of 51% in the number of tourists and 38% in the number of flights, compared to last season.
During this season, Dubai Airport, through the 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 2018-2017 season. .
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 (DTCM), Dubai Tourism, DP World - UAE Region, Port Rashid Operator, Emirates Airline, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and Dubai Customs. To establish Dubai as a leading cruise destination.
The 2019-2018 tourism season witnessed an exceptional event, which included the reception of 14 cruise ships at its first landing in Dubai, in addition to many international operators who took the port as its 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 Mohamed Abdul Aziz Al Mannai, CEO of Marinas P&O and CEO of Mina Rashid. As the premier cruise destination in the Middle East, Mina Rashid offers the best services to international luxury cruise passengers and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Terminal is one of the most important facilities to enhance this outstanding performance, with a capacity of 14,000 passengers per day. “We are always optimistic about the growing number of visitors each year at Mina Rashid.”
“Dubai's growing momentum, as a major international cruise ship port, will further boost 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 to strengthen the emirate's position as a major hub for maritime tourism in the region. ”
Strong indicator
Hamad Bin Mejren, Senior Vice President, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: `` The success of the 2019-2018 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 consolidate its position. As a tourist destination to visit. At Dubai Tourism, we are delighted to welcome once again the world's leading cruise management companies and to select Dubai as a starting point for their 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 that 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, which include strengthening the strategic, operational and logistics connectivity 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 expansion is continuing to improve its capabilities through a world-class entertainment area emulating Dubai's remarkable cultural heritage. As demand continues to grow, improved berth services are being provided to private yacht owners seeking to make Dubai their anchorage, and the terminal will be one of the world's leading cruise ship hubs.
The 2020-2019 cruise season is set to begin on October 19, with the Mine Chef, a Dubai-based cruise ship carrying more than 6,000 tourists.