Thousands of tourists are set to visit Dubai just for a long weekend on a new initiative from Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline. The carrier has just gained Dubai Government authority to issue 96-hour turnaround visas for visitors arriving on Emirates from most countries where visas are still needed.
In a new initiative to boost the fast-growing weekender market, Emirates has relaxed conditions of its Dubai Stopovers so they can be used by “out and back” visitors as well as people flying via Dubai to other countries. The pioneering move should increase Stopovers sales by more than half their present total, to some 35,000 a year.
The Stopovers packages offer rooms at a choice of 19 hotels, from self-catering to luxury five-star. The range includes six additions to the program and five beach hotels. Stopovers are specially tailored by Arabian Adventures, the Emirates Group inbound tour operator.
Dubai had already eased visa rules so visitors from many countries can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. Instead a visit visa valid for 60 days is stamped directly in their passport on arrival. Emirates continues to offer a visa service for those visitors needing one, and trained staff at its worldwide offices complete the formalities directly with Dubai immigration authorities. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
