Cruise tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of Dubai’s tourism industry with the city being among the world’s leading winter cruise destinations, according to a new report from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

UAE-based Alpha Destination Management offers an enchanting choice of cruising experiences from alluring voyages to exciting on- and off-board excursions as well as luxury yacht charter services.
 
The global cruise industry continues to grow rapidly with 27 million cruisers expected in 2018. By 2030, more than 40 million people worldwide will travel on cruise ships annually. Dubai is well-placed to be a global cruise tourism hub.
 
Samir Hamadeh, general manager of Alpha Destination Management, attributes this growth to “the variety and diversity in cruise brands and experiences in UAE, outstanding infrastructure with the most modern and the largest dedicated port facility, multiple-entry UAE visas exclusively for cruise tourists, reduction in port charges at Dubai Cruise Terminal by 50 per cent for the upcoming season, plans to build new cruise terminals that will transform Dubai into a fully integrated maritime tourism hub with a capacity to accommodate six cruise ships at the same time and world-class safety and comfort of the travellers. Moreover, the customer base has both broadened and expanded with many more young travellers taking to the seas.”
 
Despite the rise of online bookings in leisure travel, the cruise association estimates that around 85 per cent of all cruise bookings are made via travel agents. Hamadeh said: “When it comes to cruising, people are looking for more unique and interesting experiences tailored to their requirements that are created by experts specialised in the sector. We are witnessing continued growth in our cruise and yacht charter services and the upcoming season looks quite promising given the increasing demand. Often people like to do something different when celebrating a birthday, wedding anniversary, family reunion or corporate event. The broad variety of cruise options means there is a cruise for everyone combined with a wide choice of activities and excursions. At Alpha, we offer the best available products and packages.”
 
According to Cruise Arabia and Africa, the number of cruise passengers in Dubai increased to 625,000 in the 2016/2017 season compared to 320,000 in the 2013/2014 cruise season, representing a 95 per cent growth rate. Over the next cruise season 2018/2019, the tourism board of Dubai expects to see 725,000 cruise tourists and 825,000 cruise tourists in the 2019/2020 season. - TradeArabia News Service