By establishing a successful global airline, building a world-class hub airport, the world’s tallest tower, largest shopping mall and so on, Dubai has firmly claimed the crown for “the biggest and the best” in travel and leisure.
In the last 20 years or so, Dubai has embarked on an ambitious journey of transformation – by literally building a brand new modern metropolis from the ground up and raising a palm tree-shaped island the size of a small city from the bottom of the sea, not to mention “The World” – a series of man-made islands resembling the world map. The traditionally oil-driven economy has been transformed and tourism now plays a very important role in Dubai. As one of the seven Emirate states that form the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has since become a playground for the rich and famous as well as a favourite destination for family holidays, honeymoons and business and conferencing. Latest figures released by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing shows that the city has attracted 5.5 million visitors in the first six months of 2013, the most number of visitors ever achieved in half a year, and the boom is set to continue.
To call Dubai’s strategies in attracting more tourists ambitious is definitely an understatement. By establishing a successful global airline, building a world-class hub airport, the world’s tallest tower, largest shopping mall and so on, Dubai has firmly claimed the crown for “the biggest and the best” in travel and leisure. Families are drawn to the sandy beaches, amazing waterparks, and endless entertainment, international cuisine and shopping found in huge shopping malls. “Dubai Mall” is the world’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, which also happens to house the largest aquarium in the world. Next to it stands the Burj Khalifa Tower, the tallest building in the world by far, which overlooks the largest musical water fountain in the world.
Apart from showing tourists the best the city has to offer, it is also vital to be able to bring people there easily in the first place. With the growing network of Dubai’s airline Emirates, travelling to Dubai is becoming cheaper and more accessible. Emirates is also a major sponsor in many top sporting events and venues, which definitely help boosting the image and awareness of both the airline and Dubai itself.
When it comes to where to stay, there is no surprise that the city offers a whole range of options – from self-catering apartments in Dubai, private villas with pools to ultra-luxury hotels. Shaped like a sail in the sea, the Burj Al Arab is the original 7 star hotel, widely regarded as the most luxurious hotel in the world. The iconic Palm Jumeirah is home to many luxury hotels including the Palm Atlantis hotel, as well as up-scale holiday apartments and villas. Staying in one of the Palm Jumeirah villas or holiday apartments in Dubai Marina is not cheap, but it is the unique experience many tourists want, which sums up perfectly the appeal of Dubai as a holiday destination.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
