The addition of a slew of new tourism attractions and products this year is expected to give Dubai a boost and put it on track to welcome 20 million visitors annually by 2020.
Dubai is hosting the World Expo in four years’ time and the August opening of indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts, the region’s largest theme park, will give the destination ammunition to go after families and young couples.
The destination has also filled the gap for affordable stays with Rove Hotels, developed by Emaar Hospitality Group, offering rates starting from around US$100. The group is planning to roll out 10 properties across central locations in Dubai and the region by 2020.
The July launch of 24/7 food truck park Last Exit, located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will be expanded to another 10 destinations and include play zones for children, exercise areas, an open air cinema and a business centre.
LCC flydubai, which operates to many destinations in the Indian subcontinent, has also launched services to Bangkok, offering a budget option to South-east Asian travellers.
One Hong Kong buyer TTG Asia spoke to at the show was surprised to learn of the new developments. “It’s good to know Dubai is on its way up again and Dubai Tourism must do more to rectify any misconception that the destination is expensive,” commented Ken Chang, vice president, Associated Tours.
Meanwhile, closer to Dubai, Rashmi, senior executive – commercial and contracting of Mumbai-based Kesari MICE, said she was aware of Dubai expanding its budget options a few years ago.
