Dubai officials promote cruise tourism in India

Dubai - The visiting delegation conducted workshops and networking events in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi.

Dubai Cruise Tourism conducted a roadshow in four Indian cities last week.
It was the second such roadshow undertaken by Dubai Cruise Tourism in the past 12 months with the aim of showcasing Dubai's credentials as an international cruise stop ahead of the 2015-2016 season, which commences in September.
The inaugural India roadshow in December 2014 contributed to an increase in awareness among Indian holidaymakers of the cruising opportunities available from Dubai.
Dubai has emerged as a popular choice for Indian tourists, with visitor numbers from the country growing by eight per cent in 2014. With strong economic growth and a growing young population, India fits the bill as a source market for Dubai's cruise tourism industry.
The visiting delegation conducted workshops and networking events in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi.
Working with the Dubai Tourism overseas office in India, the events built on Dubai's role as a tourist hub for Indian leisure travellers as well as its role as a gateway to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, North Africa, the Far East, Australia and North America.
Joined by cruise industry leaders Costa Crociere, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and MSC, the Dubai Cruise Tourism team outlined the benefits of the recently launched UAE multi-entry visa for cruise tourists.
Jamal Humaid Al Falasi, director of Dubai Cruise Tourism, said: "India ranked No. 2 in the top source markets for visitors to our emirate in 2014. We look forward to seeing it in a similar position within the cruise tourism segment as well. India is a key market within our cruise tourism strategy. We have seen sustained interest in Dubai and the wider Gulf region among Indian travellers.
"We offer an alternative way to explore the Arabian Gulf by embarking on a cruise from Dubai. Our goal is to increase awareness among Indian travellers of the uniqueness of a Dubai cruise holiday," he added.
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