Underwater attractions key for future of Middle East tourism » Future Tourism Summit 2014

Underwater attractions key for future of Middle East tourism

Developer Reef Worlds completes design for world’s largest underwater theme park in Dubai

Recent developments in artificial reefs and other underwater attractions are set to become an important part of the Middle Eastern travel and tourism market, as countries in the region begin to get serious about entering the US $3 billion dive and snorkel marketplace.

 

This is the opinion of Reef Worlds CEO Patric Douglas who, speaking ahead of his appearance at the Future Tourism Summit this December, also announced that design work on the world’s largest underwater theme park, The Pearl of Dubai, has now been completed. The five-acre park has been modelled after the mythical lost city of Atlantis and inspired by the look of recent Hollywood films.
“Reef Worlds addresses a critical problem [cities such as] Dubai have with the lack of water based tourism or footprint in the global $3 billion dollar dive and snorkel marketplace. In the waters in and around Dubai there are few, if any, underwater engagement points,” said Douglas.

“Resort developers along Dubai’s ever expanding coastline are just now realizing that with the creation of Dynamic Reefs, unique sites that are designed for habitat and tourism, they can increase revenues, client satisfaction and give a much needed boost to degraded regional habitats,” he added.
In addition to its Dubai development, Reef Worlds has also received interest for similar projects in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while Oman and Bahrain have already made huge investments into artificial reefs.

Patric Douglas is one of the international tourism experts who will appear at the Future Tourism Summit, due to be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 9–10 December, 2014.

As part of the show he will be sharing more information and expertise from his work on The Pearl of Dubai, as well as revealing his thoughts and feelings on the future of travel and tourism in the Middle East.

The Future Tourism Summit is an event for the travel and tourism industry to come together with government and technology providers to create an ecosystem which enhances customer experience and improves business operations, while establishing partnerships vital to the creation of smart and sustainable destinations.

The two day conference will feature a range of unique insights into leading tourism innovations as well as programme of international keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, an extensive exhibition showcase of the latest travel technology and will welcome 400+ regional travel trade delegates.

More about Reef Worlds.