Boost for Dubai's flourishing trade and tourism industry

The DTCM led a strong delegation of co-participants to the convention and promoted Dubai's state-of-the-art cruise terminal and its flourishing cruise tourism industry in front of executives, delegates and exhibitors worldwide, who were present to receive an update on the latest news and trends ruling global cruise industry. The Dubai stand measuring 600sq.ft was shared by seven other co-participants including prominent shipping agents and tour operators from Dubai.

As evidence of Dubai's flourishing cruise industry, two more cruiseliners arrived at the Dubai Cruise Terminal recently. The UK cruiseliner, MV Island Sky arrived on March 12 from Baniyas Island with 110 passengers and 21 members of crew on board, most of whom were British.

An exchange of passengers took place at the Dubai Cruise Terminal before the ship started on its onward journey to Baniyas Island on March 14. The Rais Hassan Saadi Group of Dubai was the agent for the ship while Orient Tours were trusted with the job of being tour operators.

The German cruiseliner, MV Columbus arrived at the Dubai Cruise Terminal from Fujairah on March 18 with 239 passengers and 178 members of crew on board. There were 177 passengers who disembarked and another 147 who embarked on the ship before it proceeded for its next leg of journey to Muscat. Inchcape Shipping Services were the agents for the cruiseliner while SNTTA Emir Tours were the tour operators.

A traditional welcoming ceremony was held for the passengers of both the ships at the Dubai Cruise Terminal. Schoolchildren gave flowers and men dressed in traditional Arabic costume offered the guests a taste of typically Arabic hospitality. Gawah, the Arabic coffee was served to the visitors and a heritage and handicraft display was organised, while the Dubai Police band stood in attendance.