In order to strengthen relationships with travel agents and tour operators, to boost Indian arrivals to Dubai as part of the 2019 marketing strategy, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently organised a three-city roadshow in Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. With India continuing its position at the leading source market for Dubai, the emirate is set to launch new attractions, schemes and lucrative offers to attract more travellers from India and to sustain the momentum for Dubai to be the first choice of Indian travellers.

Dubai Tourism has extended free visa to Indian tourists, below the age of 18, to further smoothen the travel process and sink in with the needs of Indian family travellers. This offering is set to be extended annually until 15 September.

The roadshows witnessed participation from key Dubai Tourism stakeholders, including Emaar Hospitality Group, Atlantis, Jumeirah, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Costa Cruises, Expo2020 to enhance networking and relationship building in the Indian market.

Dubai Expo 2020 announced hosting 192 countries, including India, over 173 days to showcase newer destinations and their offerings to attract tourists across genres.

Abdulla Yousuf, acting director of international operations in proximity market at Dubai Tourism said: “Expo 2020 can be a game changer for business and tourism sectors in Dubai, witnessing millions of tourists from across the globe. Tourism contributes to a major chunk of the economy in Dubai and Expo 2020 will contribute to an added advantage.”