Middle East

Dubai expects steady growth in Indian tourists footfall

Dubai Tourism expects a steady growth of 13 to 15 per cent in Indian tourist visits in the state. As per reports, India remained the top source market for Dubai during the year 2017 and it is expected to be a crucial contributor to their targeted 20 million international visitations by 2020.

“The priority is to get the messaging tailor-made for each market in India to attract every segment of travellers to Dubai,” said Khalid Al Awar, Manager – India & Pakistan (International Operations), Dubai Tourism. He was interacting with the media in an informal chat on the side-lines of the first Dubai Leisure road show in Delhi

“Dubai is a constantly progressing destination and regular awareness and updating is required to keep the trade partners and travellers informed about new developments,” he added.

While talking about the recent ‘BeMyGuest’ marketing campaign with Shahrukh Khan, he said that each video was made to target a specific travel segment.

Sharukh Khan in Dubai during the BeMyGuest campaign

“Our aim to become the biggest family destination in the world,” said Anwar.

India’s contribution to Dubai nights was 2.1 million rooms in 2017, which was a 15.2 per cent more than that of 2016.

“We want every travel agent in India to become a ‘Dubai Specialist’ with all the updated information about the destination.  We have plans to give added incentives for agents to become a specialist,” said Anwar, while speaking about the strategy to engage the travel trade in India.

With Delhi, Dubai Tourism has concluded the 11 city road show in India this year.  18 suppliers from Dubai comprising luxury hotels, attractions, DMCs participated in the road show.