The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has confirmed the importance of cruising to the Gulf region by signing on as an associate member with the International Cruise Council Australasia.

Following years of steady growth and the launch of a new cruise terminal in Dubai in 2010, ICCA General Manager Brett Jardine said it was the perfect time for the tourism body to sign up.

“With many of our cruise line members calling at Dubai on their world itineraries and some even homeporting there, the Dubai cruise industry has seen some exciting growth,” Mr Jardine said.

“The Cruise Council will connect Dubai Tourism with well-qualified cruise consultants that are already highly engaged with the cruise industry through their Cruise Council membership,” he added.

DTCM Executive Director of Business Tourism and Dubai Cruise Terminal, Hamad bin Mejren, said a combination of strong tourism infrastructure, air connectivity and a strategic location at the crossroads of the East and West made Dubai an attractive destination for many global cruise providers.

“As cruising is the fastest growing segment in Australia’s travel industry it is important for the Dubai Cruise Terminal to be associated with the Council. It provides an excellent platform for us to educate travel consultants and showcase Dubai as a leading cruising destination,” he said.

In 2011, the Dubai Cruise Terminal welcomed 108 cruise ships carrying more than 396,000 passengers, a number expected to reach 400,000 this year and grow to 425,000 passengers in 2013 with 115 ship visits.

Cruising in both Australia and New Zealand continued to grow in 2011, with nearly 680,000 Australians and Kiwis holidaying at sea.

The International Cruise Council Australasia is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1996, committed to training travel consultants and raising consumer awareness of cruising.