DUBAI
GULF SHORES DUBAI
Vision and boundless optimism have never been in short supply in Dubai – and both qualities see the emirate well placed to build on a positive 2012, says Colin Ellson
T
he emirate at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula has built itself into a major tourism force.
Times have undeniably been tough, with
many cutting-edge projects shelved, but Dubai’s underpinning confi dence in the mantra that ‘if it gets built the visitors will come’ looks set to pay off in 2013. UK visitors returned to Dubai in healthy numbers last year – up eight per cent in the third quarter alone – drawn by world- class hotels and golf courses, family- orientated attractions, spectator sports and excellent shopping. Self-catering apartments particularly
saw a surge in bookings, with a 33% rise last year (second quarter), compared to the same period in 2011. The emirate’s sun-soaked beach
From left: Falconry is a popular pastime in Dubai; golf at Rotana Resorts; henna tatooing; the original desert transport; JA Resorts (centre)
hotels are also on the crest of a wave, according to Malcolm Davies, Product Administration Manager at Funway Holidays. “The established properties along Jumeirah Beach and at The Palm are the focus of our bookings for Dubai,” he said. “There are also good sales for budget city properties.” “Dubai performed well in 2012, in
particular as a beach destination,” said Carolina Svensson, Product and Purchasing Manager, Middle East, Travel 2. “We expect this trend to continue
into 2013, as there is a lot of instability in other parts of the Middle East and growing fl ight capacity into Dubai.” Bookings are also strong for Gold Medal
Travel. Said Deborah Wadhams, Assistant Product Manager, Middle East & Indian Ocean: “Dubai continues to be a strong performer. It’s a great all-rounder, and its appeal to singles, couples and families, and for shopping trips and golf breaks, supported by fantastic hotels and tactical
offers, is driving solid numbers.”
What’s new Accommodation: Dubai continues to
add to its hotel bed stock. At the end of last year, Rotana announced the opening of two properties, the fi ve-star, 428-room Al Ghurair Rayhaan, and the Al Ghurair Arjaan, with 192 luxury apartments. JA Resorts & Hotels has opened a
four-star beach hotel, the Ocean View Hotel on The Walk at JBR beach. Dubai’s only four-star beach hotel features 338 rooms and suites with sea views and balconies, or from the room itself. Several interconnecting rooms are available. The hotel also has six restaurants and
bars, a temperature-controlled free form swimming pool with sea views, a spa, health club, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The public beach at JBR is just steps away, or guests can take advantage of a complimentary shuttle to the fi ve-star private beach at Jebel Ali Golf Resort. Those scheduled to open in 2014 include the 330-room Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the group’s fi rst hotel in Dubai, and the Palazzo Versace Dubai, with 214 rooms and suites, promising a ‘personal lifestyle
www.sellinglonghaul.com • February 2013 51
selling tip Take the plunge… Dubai
offers sunshine year round, great shopping, luxury hotels and attractions like the Aquaventure Waterpark
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