Last year Dubai attracted over ten million visitors which is a growth of 9 % over 2011. However corporate travel dips forcing hotels to cut rates. Saudi Arabia is the largest market for Dubai followed by India, Britain, USA and Russia.
Dubai's department of tourism and commerce marketing has launched 'Summer is Dubai' campaign aimed to promote the city as an ideal leisure destination for families. "As a part of our strategy we identify periods when business is slow and we work closely with hotels and retail sector to offer attractive packages to tourists,'' said Saeed Al Falasi, director (strategic alliances) in tourism department.
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This includes free hotel stays and meals for children and discounts at Dubai's attractions.
"Actually Ramadan month is no longer a slow period and last two years we have experienced growth in tourists from Gulf region,'' said Saeed Al Falasi, director (strategic alliances) in tourism department. He added the department was also promoting Dubai as an destination for celebrity entertainment events which draw large visitors to the city.
In 2012 over 7.6 lakh Indians visited Dubai, a growth of 10 percent and the first quarter saw a growth of 16 percent in arrivals from India. The Dubai government aims to attract 20 million visitors by 2020. There was 54 % growth in growth in arrivals from Russia and Chinese tourist arrivals were up by 28 %
The department's plan is to retain growth from all top source markets, increase awareness in big potential markets such as Latin America, Africa and China and encourage repeat visits. Further the department is hoping for an increase in average length of tourist stay and spends.