As the taxi sped down the Sheikh Zayed Road towards its destination, my excitement was building up, with every kilometre that we put between ourselves and my hotel at Downtown Dubai. I kept looking out of the windows on either side, not knowing where or when it would emerge and on which side of the road.
About 50 km and 30 minutes later, I finally saw it. First on my left and then as we approached closer, on my right. Barely had the taxi come to a halt, that I rapidly paid and ran out. But the sight that greeted me left me bewildered. I had reached Dubai Parks and Resorts, a gigantesque collection of five theme parks, that has emerged as one of the favourite getaways for families, both residents and tourists.
With five massive parks staring at me, I began to look where my entrance ticket was waiting for me. And I slowed down only when I located the VIP Welcome Centre where my entrance ticket had been kept, as promised.
Now, to get to the beginning. I was in Dubai where I had been invited to attend the Arabian Travel Market and I had a day free before the show got under way. I decided to skip my favourite pastime, shopping, and look for excitement of the other kind, especially as I had received an invitation to visit the theme park operator that is billed to be the largest in the region.
With options like Motiongate Dubai, Legoland and Legoland Waterpark, one is spoilt for choice here. So I asked for the one which had the highest adrenaline-pumping experiences and immediately jumped at it when I was pointed towards Motiongate.
With 29 rides, including some world record setting ones, 40 indoor attractions and countless shows revolving around some of the biggest labels of Hollywood, Motiongate is a themepark for all, especially those who love their cinema and those who are always on the lookout for some daredevil adventure that only the strong of the heart can bear.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July - August 2023 من India Outbound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July - August 2023 من India Outbound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
La Mamounia is an oasis for travellers
In order to cement its foothold in the Indian market, Moroccan luxury resort La Mamounia, located in the picturesque town of Marrakech, recently organised a visit to Mumbai and Delhi, engaging with top-tier travel industry partners from India. General Manager Pierre Jochem tells India Outbound that the resort, which recently completed 100 years, is targetting the Indian visitors seeking to explore Morrocan art, culture and heritage, besides its captivating beauty.
Africa has come a long way as travel destination for Indians
The perception of Africa as a tourism destination has come a long way in India as travellers from India have gone beyond safaris to discover other elements that make travel to Africa attractive. The change is not just amongst Indian tourists, but destinations have also learnt more about their Indian clients and are taking steps to customise their offer to the Indian visitors, writes Alpa Jani, Founder, Ace Connect, a tourism marketing company.
ASCENIC RAIL TRIP ACROSS BALKANS
A rail journey through the Western Balkans, from Serbia's vibrant capital Belgrade to the culturally rich Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a more tranquil, scenic way to explore the region's breathtaking mountains, lakes and historical towns at a leisurely pace.
Shahnaz Husain's cool tips for skincare during travel
Celebrity beautician and hair care expert Shahnaz Husain tells India Outbound on her secrets for skin-care and hair-care while travelling.
Plovdiv: Timeless jewel in Bulgarian crown
With a history spanning over two millennia, Plovdiv is not only one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, but also a vibrant conduit linking Bulgaria's past and its present.
Navigating Natural Wonders of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
For us city dwellers, even the sound of a cuckoo might seem exotic. So now imagine discovering a vastness filled with shifting dunes and interlaced emerald lagoons.
Explore the Jewel of Southern Spain, Seville
Home to one of the largest historic centres of Europe and three world heritage sites, the stunning city of Seville, located by the picturesque Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, offers tourists an experience rich in history, culture, art, gastronomy and much more.
UPI IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A GAME CHANGER FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS
Having revolutionised digital transactions in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now expanding globally. After tepid beginnings in the immediate neighbourhood, UPI is gaining acceptance in many countries making a win-win for Indian tourists and businesses overseas that are increasingly eager to tap the burgeoning Indian outbound travel market.
Debuting at COP29, can tourism lead march towards curbing carbon emissions?
Tourism will make its debut in global climate change negotiations in the next round of discussions, COP29, that opens in Baku later this month. So far, the discussions have spectacularly failed to produce any notable outcome, besides platitudes and numerous missed commitments. The global tourism industry has a golden opportunity to lead the way and show the world the true path to curbing carbon emissions. But the sector's own record in this aspect is hardly blemishless.
Bintan Island: SEESE
A haven of nature, with thriving flora and fauna, the Indonesian island of Bintan, that is barely an hour away from Singapore by ferry and comes with easy visa regimes, is an ideal extension for any Indian visitor to Singapore, looking to add a touch of wilderness to the experience.
