Al Mamari disclosed that membership allows partners to jointly participate in both international and regional events within the cruise sector, such as Seatrade Middle East and Seatrade USA.
Further elaborating this point, Al Falasi noted that the aim of the organisation is to transform the Gulf region into a leading cruise destination, through the synergy of tourism authorities collectively showcasing the best of the Gulf.
Having already seen the benefits of the unified partnership, Al Falasi explained, “[...] We have been able to position Dubai and the region as an ideal winter sun destination for international markets.”
Bob Dixon, general manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa sales, Carnival UK, corroborated this view, in part attributing the Gulf’s standing as the next big winter destination due to port congestion and itinerary fatigue in the Caribbean.
Moreover, enhanced and upgraded ports play an essential role in attracting cruise companies, with many countries developing their infrastructure in recent years with new cruise terminals.
As Dixon demonstrated, “New cruise facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have increased the operational appeal of the destination.”
The introduction of the UAE’s multiple-entry visa, as described by docking and offering transit visas to additionally ease entry.
ROCKING THE BOAT
Despite the significant growth in the relatively new sector, there are still some barriers that need to be considered.
While the UAE and Qatar’s improved visa regulations have indeed facilitated cruise travel, other countries need to follow suit. Royal Caribbean is urging each port in the region to do the same.
There are also some misconceptions about the region that still need to be overcome to advance the industry even more.
“In my view, there is still a job to be done in educating both the trade and the public around the cultural heritage and diversity in the region,” explained Dixon.
Moreover, while cruises remain popular amongst European holidaymakers, as Dixon indicated, they are yet to be established as a consideration amongst Middle Eastern travellers, adding that it is likely to be a few years before it takes off.
Not only are cruises not yet viewed as particularly attractive option for Middle Eastern tourists, encouraging them to book a local itinerary is particularly testing.
“One challenge we have is attracting guests from the local Gulf region to take a cruise locally, due to the fact that the ports can easily be visited within a few hours car ride from Dubai,” corroborated Penlington.
Cunard Line is attempting to solve this through its partnership with DNATA to increase distribution and local custom, revealed Dixon.
PLAIN SAILING AHEAD
“The Ministry of Tourism, [Oman] has sought to develop this sector because of its high importance and the economic return it beings in,” elucidated Al Mamari.
In fact, cruise tourists spend more than double the European average, some EUR218 (USD238) per night, revealed IPH International.
In addition to its host of attractions, Dubai is considered to be highly accessible, both due to its air and sea connectivity and its strategic location, illustrated Al Falasi, which make it an ideal cruise destination.
To advance the cruise industry’s contribution to the emirates tourism sector, DCT is actively collaborating with key stakeholders such as cruise operators, airlines, port authorities and Dubai immigration to facilitate the growth of what Al Falasi describes as a vital tourism sector in order to achieve its aim of one million cruise tourists every year by 2020, ultimately contributing to Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020.
Sharjah is also relying on this lucrative industry to contribute to its Tourism Vision 2021, a new cruise terminal has been constructed in Khorfakkan port and is set to be a fully functioning terminal capable of receiving visiting cruise ships from all around the world, noted Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
In the meantime, Oman is strengthening the industry through participation in trade shows to ensure more knowledge and awareness of the region.
Besides, there is also potential for expansion within the Middle East and North Africa allowing diversification and expansion of itineraries.
Penlington enthused, “The future opening up of Iran presents a great opportunity to develop the region as does [...] Egypt.”
