World's top cruise bosses head to Dubai

The executives, from five countries throughout Europe and America, are part of a hosted buyer programme organized by Seatrade, the leading maritime publisher and event organizer, and the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.

The Fifth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference is part of Seatrade Middle East Maritime (SMEM) - the region's biggest maritime industries event - which will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 4-6.

"These hosted buyers are the key decision makers within the international cruise industry. Their presence at SMEM is evidence of the increasing awareness of the Middle East as a cruise destination," said Christopher Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade.

"During SMEM they will discuss exciting opportunities now opening up for the industry in the region, plus itinerary options and the infrastructure and support services needed to sustain growth.

"The results could mean increased cruise business for the region. Governments here will also receive feedback on what is required to attract the big boys to their shores."

The Fifth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference will run on December 5 and will explore the principal growth drivers for cruise tourism growth in the region. It will also identify the market for cruise sales from the Middle East and the Subcontinent.

"From an outbound perspective, it is vital the travel industry knows much more about cruise offerings worldwide and consequently the conference will also look at the potential of the region as a source market for cruise passengers," added Hayman.

The event's hosted buyers programme will feature senior executives, including Presidents and Managing Directors, from some of the biggest names in the cruise business - Italy's Costa Crociere SpA; the USA's Holland America Line Westours Inc., Regent Seven Seas; Seabourn Cruise Line; Silversea Cruises Limited and Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises; Germany's Phoenix Reisen GmbH; the UK's Saga Shipping Company P&O Cruises; and Louis Cruise Lines of Cyprus.

The Middle East is fast emerging as an alternative winter cruise destination. Dubai alone expects to welcome as many as 50 cruise ships in the season up to April 2007.

"Dubai's arrivals programme is expected to bring some 64,993 passengers to the emirate - all of whom will go ashore to take in the sights and increase tourism spend within the city," said Hayman. "Other countries have been quick to realize the potential, most notably Oman which is now actively pursuing its own port-of-call status."

The Fifth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference will form one of the three-part conference programme that will also include dedicated segments for the general shipping and SuperYacht sectors.

Meanwhile, the SMEM exhibition, which runs alongside the conference, is set to be the largest in the event's history. Over 250 exhibitors from 32 countries, including new national pavilions from France, Germany and Pakistan, are confirmed.

The annual Seatrade Dubai International Maritime Awards (DIMAs) will be presented at a gala dinner to coincide with SMEM 2006. The awards are the leading honours recognizing top industry achievers in West and Central Asia. 34 companies have been shortlisted for these prestigious accolades.