The number of travellers visiting Dubai had increased by nearly 12% year-on-year to over 3 million during the initial two months of the year on account of the growing number of tourists from Russia and China.
The Chinese tourist arrivals had increased by about 60% year-on-year to an overwhelming 157,000. And, the number of Russian tourists arriving at this region had rise by 84% to 65,000 in the first two months. Chinese visitors had been granted visa on arrival that started in November.
And, the Russian tourists had received the same privilege last month.
Helal Almarri who is the director general of Dubai Tourism said that their collective aim is to make the Dubai tourism sector quite convenient for prospective tourists from their diverse base of source markets so that they would be motivated to visit and even re-visit Dubai. She feels that there is a lot to accomplish in order to achieve a dynamic global environment that is influenced by certain geopolitical and macroeconomic issues.
The shopping malls, airport and tourism agencies as well as hotels of Dubai have raised the number of Mandarin-speaking service representatives.
Chinese payment systems including the UnionPay bank card are more easily accepted now. And, there are a number of food and beverage choices for the Chinese guests as per the Dubai Tourism. Amwaj Rotana on the Walk, Jumeira Beach Residence had been a part of the ‘Welcome Chinese’ program 18 months ago, said Mark Deere, the general manager of the property.
It actually has three Mandarin-speaking staff members at the front desk and the all-day dining restaurant. It also plans to hire more since there is a high demand from the Chinese market.
The Welcome Chinese program is a certification that is issued by Select Holding that is a Shanghai-based consultancy and also an outbound tour operator to various hospitality outlets.
The Amwaj Rotana has also enjoyed a large-scale popularity among Russian tourists since the end of last year.
The Russian economy has recovered after the rouble has become stronger.
