ER
DUBAI’S Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is trying to change the image of the Middle Eastern country from an expensive tourism destination to one that is friendly to backpackers who usually travel on a tight budget.
According to Senior Manager of International Operations DET, Shahab Shayan, during a media meeting in Jakarta, Tuesday (10/04), 2023, he emphasized that Dubai is also very open to welcoming backpacker travelers. Previously, there was an image that Dubai was all about luxury five-star hotels, and that’s a misperception that we really want to correct.
Dubai, said Shahab, provides various tourist destination options with a very wide range, ranging from luxury-filled experiences to holidays on tight budgets. Dubai, Shahab continued, is not just about the tallest buildings, luxury hotels or historic forts in the Al Fahidi Old City area.
“We want to show that we have many options, that’s the most important thing. We have from A, B, to Z, and please choose how you enjoy your experience in Dubai,” he said.
For ordinary people, Dubai is synonymous with the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world or the Atlantis luxury resort which is located on a complex of reclaimed islands. However, Shahab emphasized that the tourism portfolio there is very diverse and can be enjoyed by various segments, including backpacker travelers.
“Now it all comes down to how visitors prioritize their experience. Throughout January-July 2023, Dubai has recorded a visit of 9.83 million tourists, exceeding the number in the same period in 2019 or before the pandemic,” he concluded. [sources/photo special]
