Indian tour operator to usher in New Year in Dubai deserts

Chennai, Dec 8 (UNI) For the first time an Indian travel tour operator will usher in New Year in the deserts of Dubai in Indian style to promote tourism.

Shakthi Tours and Travels, a leading tour operator in the city, had come out with an attractive package for the Indians to be part of this unique festivity and celebrate the New Year in Dubai, its Managing Director B Ramesh and Executive Ms Charanya Ramesh told newspersons here today.

They said it would be an all-stuffed package, offering the pleasure of experiencing ''The City of Gold'' at a cost of just Rs 29,900 per person (Rs 3,000 visa charges separately), with a four-night 5-day stay full of fun and special New Party bash in a desert, 20 kms away from the bustling city.

''It will be an unbelievable experience as the New Year will be ushered in an open desert, spread over five acres area, with about 600 to 700 people joining the festivities,'' they said.

Mr Ramesh said there had already been tremendous response for the package with nearly 100 bookings completed, a majority of which were from the IT companies.

''We are planning to take about 200 people from India. Apart from this another 300 to 400 locals, including Indians settled there, will be part of the celebrations,'' he added.

This was for the first time that an Indian style celebrations, dotted with Indian culture and tradition, was being organised in a foreign land. ''Though we planned it in Sri Lanka for 2005, the December 26 tsunami, has poured cold water on our plans,'' he added.

There were also enquires from film world, he said.

The tour would commence on December 28 and would be back on January one in Chennai.

After flying into Dubai late in the evening on December 28, the Indians would be taken for a comprehensive sight-seeing tour of Dubai that included places like Burj-Al-Arab, the Sunny Jumeirah Beach, Gold Souk and a never-ending list till sunset.

The third-day was reserved for shopping and optional tours like Dhow Cruise, Abu Dhabi city tour, Burj-Arab tour, Sharjah tour and the fourth-day, December 31, would have unlimited fun with mouth watering buffet and in the night, DJ music, a special Belly Dance, magic show and face paintings for kids.

The strike of 2008 would be welcomed by sparkling fireworks display before bidding adieu on January one afternoon for return to Chennai.

For the benefit of people, the package could be paid in three instalments of Rs 10,000 each, to ensure that there was no stress on the part of the people to pay it at one go.

UNI