Dubai Shopping Festival 2003 attracts substantial increase in Turkish visitors

Several companies have reported an unexpected increase in the number of visitors coming for Dubai Shopping Festival 2003. As compared to DSF 2002, the increase has been reported to be as high as 26%. Moreover, certain tour operators have reported a 50% increase in overall revenues in the second half of January as compared to the first half.

Visitors have been coming to Dubai from locations like the GCC countries, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, India and Malaysia.

Ali Bu Mansar, Vice President of Net Tours said, “There has been a distinct advantage in shifting the dates of the Festival from March to January, creating a good period for tourism. As compared to January last year, the staff at our office is working at 100% capacity, while if you compare the DSF period last year and this year, we have already witnessed a 30% increase in numbers. We  are considering increasing our staff strength by 35%.”

“The overall effort from the government and the private sector has been very effective in getting us the desired results. We also use our international branch offices to promote the event.

“We began promoting the Festival as soon as DSF 2002 ended, and last four months we have been concentrating our full efforts to make the Festival period excellent for us. What makes Dubai particularly attractive to a tourist is the safety aspect of the city, the excellent promotional offers, the entertainment options and the international brands.”

Naroyz Sarkies, General Manager, Belhasa Travels and Tourism, “This year we are witnessing many tourists from countries like Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey. There has been an increase of 50% in visitor numbers as compared to the period before the Festival, and these numbers will only increase during the Eid period. We plan several months in advance for Dubai Shopping Festival and target new markets too.”

Samir Andraos, Vice President, Air Link said, “Dubai Shopping Festival has firmly established itself as an excellent period of tourism activity. The promotions and the excellent raffle draws during the period have a special attraction for an increasing number of visitors. Our participation in Road shows along with the Dubai Shopping Festival organising Committee has also yielded the desired results. We expect an increase of 25% to 35% during the Eid period.”

Ghassan Al Aridhy, General Manager, Alpha Tours said, “The hotels located in the central parts of the city are enjoying 100% bookings. The date change has been very positively received by all of us. The bookings started very early this  DSF, particularly from GCC countries, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.”