With the arrival of winter, the futuristic Dubai is preparing to welcome tourists with a wide range of noveltiesstarting from the daily direct air connection with Italy inaugurated last 27 October by ITA Airways, departing from Rome Fiumicino.
On the other hand, the vibrant city of the United Arab Emirates stands as one of the most popular destinations on a global level, with constantly growing demand from Italy itself. Let’s find out more about the new connection and what to expect from the winter season.
A record-breaking 2024 for tourism in Dubai
Data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) highlights one continuous expansion of the tourism sector.
In the first six months of 2024, Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international visitors, recording a 9% increase. compared to 8.55 million for the same period in 2023.
Following a record 17.15 million tourists in 2023, the city is well on its way to another very successful year, with significant increases from neighboring GCC and MENA markets, and a strong recovery in tourism from South Asia and from North-East and South-East Asia.
In turn, as mentioned, theItaly one is confirmed important market for tourism in Dubai. In the month of August 2024 alone, over 138,000 Italians they visited the Emirati city, scoring a 7% increase. compared to the same period of the previous year. And the new direct flight aims precisely to satisfy the demand from Italian tourists, while at the same time consolidating Rome Fiumicino’s position as an important international hub.
The new ITA Airways connection
ITA Airways operates the Rome-Dubai route using a Airbus A321neoa cutting-edge aircraft designed to reduce by 20% fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat. The aircraft offers passengers a comfortable and environmentally friendly experience, with three classes of service: Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
The flight schedule is designed to maximize travellers’ convenience. The departure from Rome is expected at 10.40amarriving in Dubai at 7.50pm (local time). In the opposite direction, the flight departs from Dubai to1:50 (local time), arriving in Rome at 6:00.
Expansion of accommodation facilities and additional attractions
In the period between 2024 and 2025, Dubai is also preparing to further expand the accommodation offerwith new openings that include diversified options to meet the needs of various price ranges and visitor categories.
But not only that: it is also in terms of attractions that Dubai continues to surprise. Among the new features, the opening of The world of Real Madrid the first theme park in the world dedicated to football and of Swingersa famous brand of crazy golf founded in London, which will open an office on Bluewaters Island.
In the meantime, Bay Beach will move from Bluewaters Island to Life in Jumeirah Beach Residence, with a new beach club equipped with a restaurant and swimming pool lounge reserved for adults.
Commercial initiatives and Co-Marketing
The futuristic metropolis also strengthens the collaboration with international tour operators to increase the tourist flow. The recent annual on-site convention saw the participation of 27 tour operators and 28 exhibitors from the Emirates.
They are expected for the fourth quarter of the year further co-marketing activitiesmany of which have already been active since January, in synergy with the main partners in the sector. In addition, training sessions are planned for travel agencies, both online and in person.
Focus on culture, outdoor tourism and market niches
Furthermore, Dubai aims to diversify its tourism offer, with particular attention to cultural and artistic aspects of the city, still little known internationally. Among the niches on which the promotion strategy focuses, the outdoor and adventure tourism luxury, the school tourism and student programs, as well as the “b-free time“, a segment that combines business and leisure.
Finally, collaborations with major cruise lines are planned to promote stop-over packages for long-haul travel and thus enrich the experience of travelers heading to other destinations.