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DESPITE regional unrest and the more difficult period of the economic downturn over the past two years, cruise tourism to the Middle East has significantly grown with more cruise liners than ever looking to expand their itineraries to this exciting part of the world. In Dubai alone, the number of cruise ships visiting has more than quadrupled over the last five years and in recent months both Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and Oman have reported a surge in cruise visitor numbers. To concentrate on the burgeoning cruise tourism growth, Seatrade is coming to Dubai for its inaugural Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention – a three-day event to be held at the prestigious Meydan hotel from October 18 to 20. Representatives from the world’s cruise lines will meet with regional stakeholders for the event that features an exhibition, conference, workshops and a full day of travel agent training. The conference includes an exciting list of international speakers which will challenge industry experts and provide a platform for discussion and debate. They include Sebastian Ahrens, managing director, Hapag Lloyd, Helen Beck of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, Colleen Crisp of Fred Olsen, James Duguid of Saga Shipping, Justin Poulsen of Holland America Line, Yiannis Vontas of Variety Cruises and many others. This will allow delegates and visitors from regional destinations a rare opportunity to reach cruise line decision-makers and hear the latest in industry trends from experts and business leaders. The Conference will challenge the experts and pose serious questions such as: Are ports doing enough to extend the traditional winter cruising season? Is enough being done to extend itineraries and encourage return visitors? What more can be done to market the Gulf as a cruise destination and what more can Gulf destinations do to attract cruise lines? It will also address issues such as the factors behind the Gulf’s success as a growing cruise destination, cruise line deployment strategies now and for the future, security, immigration and customs issues, port infrastructure and passenger handling, pre- and post-cruise programmes and incentives and groups In addition, travel agents will benefit from a free training day comprising a combination of bespoke training and presentations from cruise line representatives. This will provide a rare level of specialised insight into the lucrative cruise product along with a wider knowledge of tourism in the region. Among visitors likely to benefit from the event’s diverse programme are port operators and terminal suppliers, ship agents, destination management companies, hotels, tour operators and many others. The Middle East Cruise Convention will also provide specialised information and networking opportunities for tourism authorities and government officials in immigration and security-related areas. The Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention is hosted by the government of Dubai, Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Dubai Cruise Terminal and DP World.