Dubai's tourism board has confirmed solid growth in visitors to the destination from Australia in 2012, as it prepares to reap the benefits of the tie-up between Qantas and Emirates from March 31.
Australian arrivals to Dubai rose 8% to 193,575 for the year. numbers from Australia and New Zealand combined rose 7% to 226,703.
Julie King, director of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Australia and New Zealand office, said the result had exceeded expectations.
"The market's interest in Dubai continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to an exciting year ahead with the launch of Qantas flights to Dubai as well as the commencement of the Emirates and Qantas partnership, subject to regulatory approval," she said.
However, increasing the Australian length of stay in Dubai remains a priority for DTCM.
"To do this, we will continue to work closely with our industry partners both here and in Dubai to help drive awareness on the diversity of Dubai as well as positioning Dubai as a holiday destination in its own right," King said.
