Costa strengthens Middle East cruise presence
Costa Cruises is strengthening its presence in Dubai to develop the Arab cruise market.
“Our objective is to invest in Dubai, the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East not only as a regular destination for our ships, but also as a sourcing area to increase the number of cruisers choosing us for their vacations,” said Costa president Gianni Onorato.
Sister ships Costa Deliziosa and Costa Luminosa are positioned in Dubai, and will be offering Arab passengers a series of dedicated facilities: two prayer rooms for males and females; regional and Arabic food and drinks; menus and signs on board in Arabic; Arab-speaking shipboard front line staff; Arabic TV and radio channels.
A new Costa branch office will be represented in the UAE by Al Ketby Consultancy.
Meanwhile, Costa Romantica has marked its maiden call to Hong Kong with a welcoming event hosted by Dario Rustico, sales and marketing director of Costa Cruises’ Pacific Asia operations
Costa will offer a total of 97 sailings in Asia in 2010 and the Costa Romantica is expected to bring more than 50,000 additional tourists to the region.
Phil Davies
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