Dubai, Nigeria to strengthen tourism ties

The Government of Dubai have reiterated the need to strengthen the growing relationship between Dubai and Nigeria.

Tareq Binbrek, Assistant Manager, International Relations (Africa) for Dubai Tourism disclosed this during the recent annual Dubai Roadshow in Lagos

“Nigeria is of significant importance to Dubai and we will continue strengthening our relationships and developing strategic activities in this fast growing market. The road show gives us the opportunity to reach out to all of our partners, to align on future trade opportunities and ensure Dubai continues to remain front-of-mind for Nigerian travellers.” he said

To this end, Binbrek stated, “The road show would further increase DET’s promotional efforts in showcasing Dubai’s ever-evolving tourism proposition to African tourists. Experiencing strong growth in tourism numbers from Africa, Dubai Tourism sustained its momentum by strengthening relationships with all industry stakeholders in the region.”

Recalling, in 2019, Nigeria was one of our top performing source markets with a year-on-year increase of 33 per cent in visitor numbers, supported by the increase in seat capacity from Emirates Airline between Dubai and Nigeria in the summer”

‘Accompanied by 32 Dubai-based partners, he said, “Dubai Tourism began the 2022 Road Show in Abuja on June 7; followed by Port Harcourt on June 9, and Lagos on June 14. The roadshow highlighted Dubai’s affordable experiences and the diversity of the city’s offerings to key travel partners in Nigeria. Some of the products showcased at the road show, span across travel, accommodation, entertainment and citywide events, with a focus on family travel and medical tourism. Key elements of the event include breakout network sessions, partner presentations, one-on-one meetings, and Medical facilities updates.

“Nigeria is the giant of Africa and they travel the most and they are the most exciting when it comes to entertainment and adventure and it is really important we focus on Nigerians and find out what they like to do when they travel. And Nigerians being the number one visitors from African countries to Dubai for the past six years and so it is important to us to pay attention to Nigerians” he added

The event witnessed a showcase of offerings from hotels such as; Al Khoory Hotel, Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort, Copthorne Hotel, Emaar Hospitality (Address hotels, Vida, Rove, Armani), Hilton Garden Inn, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Jumeirah Group among other facilities.”

He said: “Dubai Tourism has the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub. Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the Emirate.”

The Government of Dubai has also merged its tourism department with the department of economy, in an intentional move to position tourism as a huge starter in the economy of Dubai.

The Regional Director International Operations, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Stella Fabura, said this during the recent annual Dubai Roadshow in Lagos.

Fabura also pointed out that the event aimed at creating interactive sessions between Dubai tourism stakeholders and its Nigerian counterparts.

The Nation/S.S