DSS spurs recreation projects

DESPITE having been started as merely an attempt to revitalise the retail trade in the lean summer season, the Dubai Summer Surprises has, with its sister DSF event, turned into one of the engines leading the phenomenal growth of the emirate’s recreation sector.

Said Saeed Al Nabouda, DSS CEO, “The DSS, with the Modhesh Fun City at its epicentre, is one of the earliest amusement events in the region, and has significantly contributed to the growth of Dubai’s recreation and tourism sectors by attracting a large number of visitors from around the world.”
Of the 6.1 million people checking into commercial lodgings in 2005, of which 1.51 million arrived during the three-month-long DSS, and 3.3 million during the DSF 2005. The emirate’s hotels recorded a revenue of Dh8.1 million ($2.2 billion) last year.
It is numbers such as those that have spurred an investment of more than Dh37 billion a year in the recreation sector, an annual growth of 27 per cent, according to the DSS committee.
And as these projects are completed, the festival offices plan events around them, particularly in shopping malls and leisure centres. “DSS constantly strives to present fresh and innovative ideas to keep the visitor interest alive with new and different entertainment activities each year. The recreation projects under construction which will be completed in the next few years will help make Dubai as an ideal family destination. Tourism experts believe that boosting family tourism will prove to be very fruitful for the growth of the emirate’s tourism,” said Laila Suhail, DSS executive project director.
Typically this year, Dubai’s shopping malls are where most of the action is, for shoppers and visitors, especially children, the target group of DSS.

Hotel deals
To keep the visitors coming into the emirate, then, hotels across the city have tied up with the DSS to offer special rates in the lean season:
The Al Bustan Rotana Hotel’s summer special rate is Dh555 for single occupancy and Dh666 for double occupancy, valid from June 21 to August 31. The package includes buffet breakfast, an F&B voucher (Dh75net per single room and Dh150 net for double), Wild Wadi voucher for each guest, free airport transfers and free gym use.
The rates are valid for a minimum of two nights.
The Park Hyatt Dubai offers a complimentary third night stay for guests staying two nights, whilst guests staying four nights can enjoy an additional two nights complimentary. Each guest room also gets a Dh200 credit for use at the Amara Spa. Shuttle services are available to Deira City Centre. Valid until August 31.
At Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, it’s Dh750++ for a deluxe room along with free use of the gym and pool, welcome drink and fruit in each room.
Deals at the Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai are Dh500++ for single occupancy and Dh550++ for double occupancy, valid from June 22 to September 1. The package includes breakfast, complimentary airport transfers, venue transfers to DSS activity sites (malls and Modhesh Fun City), complimentary usage of the gym, special offers on Spa treatments, offers/ discounts in the various restaurants, a welcome drink and in-room fruit basket. The Fountain Restaurant will host a themed kids menu each week.