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Global Village sales likely to hit Dh2.4 billion

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Global Village sales likely to hit Dh2.4 billion

Inside UK pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Dubai - The leading family cultural, shopping and entertainment destination in the region attracted 2.2 million visitors during the first two months.

Published: Mon 11 Jan 2016, 2:32 PM

Updated: Mon 11 Jan 2016, 5:44 PM

  • By
  • Abdul Basit (Chief Reporter - Business)

Global Village expects around Dh2.4 billion sales for its 20th anniversary edition, which will conclude on April 9.
The leading family cultural, shopping and entertainment destination in the region attracted 2.2 million visitors during the first two months, showing more than 22 per cent increase over last season's visitor numbers of 1.8 million during the same period. Last season witnessed total 5 million visitors.
Last year the value of business transactions was Dh2 billion, Global Village chief executive officer Ahmad Hussain bin Essa told Khaleej Times during a media briefing.
The chief executive mentioned that the current season has witnessed a 20 per cent increase in sales during the first two months. Responding a question to this scribe he said so far indicators show another 20 per cent increase in sales for the season.
He informed that average weight of products entering Global Village on a daily basis has increased to 110 tonnes, compared to 80 tonnes during last season, showing an increase of 37.5 per cent.
He ruled out any impact of oil price on visitors of the Global Village and said more than 20 per cent increase in visitors show people want to enjoy and kids as well.
Responding another question, he replied that there is no threat to Global Village from upcoming theme parks in Dubai. "They will bring a different demographic and we will have better opportunity to have a portion of that demographic coming to the Global Village."
Global Village has introduced some exciting activities to enhance the customer experience this season, including the newly introduced trains that operate throughout the day - taking guests to and from the car park to the new iconic entrance 'The Gate of The World' for free.
With an enhanced lineup of entertainment, shopping and dining to commemorate 20 successful years of operation, guests are entertained with a never-before seen lineup of exclusive live performances, spectacular new rides, authentic international cuisines and indigenous crafts and merchandise from its 32 worldwide pavilions.
Global Village has scored a very high overall performance score of 9 on the Guests Happiness Index which ranks guest experience and satisfaction throughout the season, according to the chief executive.
He said: "The enhancements we have made to the Global Village infrastructure and offerings this season are having a hugely positive impact. We have already witnessed a staggering 2.2 million visitors since we opened our doors on the 3rd November until the 31st December and we expect that the number will get even bigger as the season continues for the next few months."
Around 57 per cent of guests visit Global Village for the entertainment and to meet this expectation, guest experience is very high on the agenda. Some of the key success factors that have enabled Global Village to become a leading cultural, entertainment and shopping destination are the clear strategy, price and value for money, guest experience, research and development, products and contents, investment and people, he explained.
This season, Global Village has planned over 12,000 cultural and entertainment shows with an international concerts series. Additionally, the launch of several smart initiatives this year including self-ticketing machines which have sold over 60,000 tickets so far, online tickets - which had sales of over 15,000 so far and the Global Village Digital Raffle draw - which has had over 800,000 applications submitted through the website.
This year, Global Village is offering local entrepreneurs the chance to showcase innovative food concepts through a strategic partnership with Dubai SME.
The partnership offers over 30 kiosks the chance to operate at Global Village for three months at a discounted rate of 50 per cent.
Global Village has 17,700 followers on Twitter; 60,200 followers on Instagram and 130,500 likes on Facebook and these numbers are expected to grow phenomenally as the season continues well into 2016.
abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com

Inside Global Village in Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Inside Global Village in Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A scene inside Global Village in Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A scene inside Global Village in Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Shops inside Turkey pavilion selling decoration items at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Shops inside Turkey pavilion selling decoration items at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Turkish style sweet corn being sold inside Turkish pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Turkish style sweet corn being sold inside Turkish pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Pakistani textiles being sold inside their pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Pakistani textiles being sold inside their pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A Pakistani women making a crocket at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A Pakistani women making a crocket at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Scents being sold inside UAE pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Scents being sold inside UAE pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A man selling his handmade wood work inside Africa pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A man selling his handmade wood work inside Africa pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A train inside Global Village taking visitors around at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015.  Photo by Leslie Pableo

A train inside Global Village taking visitors around at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A man stitching beautiful designs inside Egypt pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015.  Photo by Leslie Pableo

A man stitching beautiful designs inside Egypt pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A man selling juices at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

A man selling juices at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Different woodwork bring sold inside India pavilion  at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015.  Photo by Leslie Pableo

Different woodwork bring sold inside India pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Saudi dates being sold inside their pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo

Saudi dates being sold inside their pavilion at Global Village, Dubai on Monday, 21 December 2015. Photo by Leslie Pableo



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