Dubai enjoys 'Dream' destination status among UK travellers

The UK holiday-makers are becoming ever-more sophisticated in their holiday demands as is evident from the results shown by the survey. Among the 2,000 UK consumers who were asked by the DTCM to vote for their 10 top ingredients for a dream holiday, 73 per cent voted for five-star luxury, 60 per cent for guaranteed sunshine and 51 per cent for golden sea-beaches.

Britons also showed a strong interest in culture (49 per cent) while 48 per cent voted for gourmet cuisine and 44 per cent for exotic and long haul locations. Shopping topped the list of priorities among 38 per cent of the respondents of the survey while 38 per cent voted for spa facilities, 26 per cent for adventure activities and 13 per cent for sporting events.

Mr. Khalifa Ali Buamaim, DTCM Manager Overseas Promotions said:

"With guaranteed year round sunshine and stunning beaches, deserts and mountains -together with a culture and openness and hospitality -Dubai is fast becoming the dream holiday destination of choice for UK holiday makers."

"Dubai undoubtedly has some of the most innovative and luxurious accommodations anywhere in the world, with excellent service and is a firm favourite among UK travelers."

Mr. Buamaim Long-haul specialist, Kuoni Travel, has recently announced Dubai as its number one long haul destination. Mr. Buamiam also met tourists and delegations from other participating countries at the WTM 2005, briefing them about Dubai's world class tourist attractions and five-star hospitality.

The number of UK visitors to Dubai in 2004 totaled at 605,240 according to statistics available from Dubai's hotel and hotel apartments. The number of UK visitors to Dubai increased by 32 per cent between 2003 and 2004.