VISIT DUBAI SHOWCASES ATTRACTIONS AND ENGAGES WITH SA TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS AT NATIONAL ROADSHOW
Earlier this month, the dynamic Visit Dubai roadshow was held across South Africa’s three main cities of Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, bringing together travel industry stakeholders to engage closely with key tourism representatives from the city, build partnerships, and explore travel attractions.
Bader Ali Habib, regional director of South Asia, Middle East and North Africa at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said he was thrilled with the outcome of the events.
“The sessions were an incredible expression of the rich tourism partnership between Dubai and South Africa,” he said. “It is also our tangible way of confirming DET's commitment to the South African market. It is a concentrated effort in fostering relationships and understanding the pulse of the SA market.”
South Africa is Dubai’s leading source of inbound tourism from Sub-Saharan Africa, having shown double-digit growth in visitor numbers since 2022. Around 86% of South African visitors travel to Dubai as couples or families. The roadshow, therefore, featured a compelling showcase of the many world-class attractions and family-friendly experiences in the sun-soaked metropolis.
The events gave the South African travel industry insiders a unique opportunity to meet and engage with leading stakeholders from Dubai, who consider South Africa as an important market. Bader Ali Habib highlighted how Dubai delivers everything South African holidaymakers are looking for in an international travel destination.
Meeting 20 of Dubai’s stakeholders in person allowed local travel agents to gain first-hand understanding of Dubai’s diverse offerings, and to identify attractions that will appeal to the South African client base. They interacted with hotels, attractions, DMCs and more.
Dubai’s world-famous attractions include Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building), Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain, Burj Al Arab, the Palm Jumeirah island, Museum of the Future and more. Dubai is also known for its picturesque beaches and desert landscapes, as well as its excellent culinary scene, and offers everything from homegrown favourites to Michelin-lauded eateries.
While the city features five-star hotels, exclusive beach clubs and fine-dining restaurants, there are Dubai experiences to suit most budgets. There are affordable helicopter flips and yacht tours, as well as introductory bonuses and cashback promotions on hotel stays, free nights and more.
Spa visits, tours of Dubai’s famous spice souk and visits to museums and cultural venues are also easily affordable, making Dubai one of the most readily accessible international holiday adventures available.
For a taste of home, South Africans can also indulge in delicacies from Harrie’s Pancakes, the Meat Co and tashas, or even enjoy a round of golf at The Els Club at Dubai Sports City – a course designed by the country’s iconic, multi-major-winning golfer Ernie Els.
The event also showcased several offerings tailored to the needs of South African travellers, from new and existing hotels and accommodations to world-class attractions and family-friendly experiences – including many accessible options available at globally competitive prices.
“Working together with South African tourism players allows us all to refine our offerings and continue tailoring competitively priced family experiences for our peak travel seasons,” says Ali Habib.
The roadshow also offered the South African travel industry an invaluable, real-time networking opportunity, helping them forge stronger partnerships. The stronger relationships built on the roadshow will allow local industry professionals to capitalise on the booming interest in the Dubai region by offering more customised, well-informed options for their clients.