DSF 2004 receives 3.1 million visitors, retail spending touches Dh5.8 billion

Over the years, the phenomenal success of DSF has helped enhance the country's profile in the global tourism map, not only as a leading shopping destination but also has a tourism hub, showcasing the best in social, entertainment and cultural events that form the core of the DSF calendar.

Addressing a Press conference, held as part of the Arabian Travel Market at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Mr Al Nabouda said that, since its launch, the DSF has been able to successfully implement its theme - One World, One Family, One Festival - by actively targeting various sections of the society, representing all age groups from various parts of the globe.

The DSF success story is reflected in the impressive growth figures achieved across several key tourism indicators, including visitor numbers and retail spending, epitomising a steady growth since its inception in 1996, Mr Al Nabouda said. One of the prime reasons leading to the impressive results achieved by DSF is the close coordination between the government and private sector in Dubai, Mr Al Nabouda said, adding that the state-of-the-art infrastructure on offer in Dubai, coupled with the creativity and innovation of the DSF Organising Committee, have also provided a major impetus to the event's profile.

Mr Al Nabouda later announced the results of DSF 2004, which was held from January 15 to February 15, 2004. Expressing his happiness at the unparalleled success in its ninth edition, he said that the Festival registered a total of 3.1 million visitors, posting a growth of six per cent over 2.92 million visitors in 2003. The number of visitors has surged 93 per cent over the corresponding figures during the first edition of DSF in 1996.

The total visitor spend during DSF 2004 touched Dh5.8 billion, compared to Dh5.12 billion in the previous year, thus registering an increase of 13.28 per cent, Mr Al Nabouda said, adding that the retail spending has posted a 169 per cent increase over the figures achieved in 1996. The shopping malls contributed 58 per cent of the total sales achieved during DSF 2004. "The impressive results reflect the value attached to shopping during the DSF," Mr Al Nabouda said. Restaurants contributed 22 per cent of the total visitor spend, while Hotels and Hotel Apartments accounted for 14 per cent.

Mr Al Nabouda stated that the Global Village continued to be the main attraction of the DSF, as the number of visitors crossed the five million mark, registering a 64 per cent increase compared to visitors during DSF 2003.

Mr Al Nabouda said that the experience gained over the years during DSF will be of immense benefit during the 10th DSF, which is scheduled to be organised from January 12, 2005 to February 12, 2005 under the same theme - One World, One Family, One Festival. "The next DSF will witness fresh creative inputs and innovative promotions that will go a long way in attracting more visitors to the Emirate."