Royal Caribbean to sail more Middle East itineraries in 2011/12 season
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Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has announced that it will expand the number of Middle East itineraries in November following a popular uptake of its current offering. The cruise line has reported that its sailings are virtually fully booked for the rest of this season. “Interest in our cruises has been so strong that we will be adding more sailings in our third season starting in November 2011,” said Lakshmi Durai, executive director at Royal Caribbean Middle East. The news comes as the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) exhibition revealed that four cruise lines will participate in the show this year. RCI will be joined by Costa Cruises, Silversea Cruises and MSC Cruises will be exhibiting their product to corporate bookers at the three day event at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. Lloyd Kenyon, exhibition manager at GIBTM said that the participation showed how cruise lines were recognising corporate travel as a valuable revenue stream. “A cruise can actually save a great deal compared to the costs of a hotel and then laying on entertainment and other extras because almost everything is included in the one price,” he said. “It is no surprise that in the wake of the financial downturn, cruise tourism has emerged as one of the strongest growth areas in Dubai’s hospitality sector.”
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