Omani visitors ‘on the rise’ in Dubai
There has been a significant increase in the number of Omani visitors heading to Dubai, suggesting the emirate’s strategy to boost the amount of tourists it attracts from this country is proving to be effective.
According to the Times of Oman, during the first six months of this year, the number of Omani nationals that stayed in hotels in Dubai hit 163,000 - a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2013.
Saeed Al Falasi, strategic alliances director of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), told the newspaper: "Oman is a very important tourism market for Dubai, with the number of hotel guests from the Sultanate increasing year on year. We expect an increase in the number of Dubai visitors to the UAE in July and August 2014.”
Last year, the number of Omani tourists heading to Dubai reached 291,000 overall, which represented a two per cent increased compared to 2012, according to Mr Al Falasi. The country even managed to make it into the top ten source markets for the emirate, securing eighth position.
The director believes there are a number of reasons why the number of tourists from Oman is on the rise. In recent years, the DFRE has come to see the country as a key component of its strategy to attract visitors from the GCC region. Mr Al Falasi claims Omani tourists, particularly families, are at the heart of all major festivals and celebrations in Dubai.
Abdulmohsin Al Shizawi told the Times of Oman that he takes his family to Dubai twice a year because the emirate has a wide variety of leisure and entertainment options available, which is one reason Dubai appeals to Omani tourists.
He added his children are constantly entertained and Dubai offers many activities and facilities that are not available in his home country. Mr Al Shizawi also believes the emirate provides value for money in terms of accommodation.
The ‘Summer is Dubai’ festival - which runs until September 8th - has a plethora of family-orientated events and activities on offer, including the WWE non-contact wrestling experience and the Hello Kitty and Friends zone.