The tremendous growth in Dubai’s tourism industry continues unabated, with the number of international visitors continuing to exceed the previous year.
At the media briefing for the 31st Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in May, His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing Corporation, said: “Every year, we have been able to grow year-on-year. ” he said. 6-9 at Dubai World Trade Center. “In 2012 he received 10 million tourists and in 2019 he continued to grow until he reached 16.73 million tourists.”
Last year was another notable record-breaking year, with 17.15 million international guests visiting the destination, representing a year-on-year increase of 19.4 per cent compared to 2019 figures.
If this year’s first quarter numbers are any indication, 2024 could be another record-breaking year. Dubai welcomed 5.18 million international guests in the first quarter, representing an 11% increase over the same period in 2023.
Hotel occupancy and growth rate
The average hotel occupancy rate in the first quarter of 2024 was 83%, while the average in 2023 was 77%, an increase of 2% compared to 2019 occupancy.
Dubai definitely boasts a huge number of hotels. At the end of last year, the destination had 821 accommodations and 150,291 rooms, compared to 741 accommodations and 126,120 rooms in 2019.
The dazzling grand lobby at Atlantis The Palm Resort. (Photo courtesy of Kerzner Communications)
And while new properties continue to open at a rapid pace, this is nothing new for Dubai. Recently opened hotels include The Rana, the Dorchester Collection’s first Middle Eastern hotel. Banyan Tree Dubai; One&Only One Za’abeel and SIRO One Za’abeel,
Dubai’s first fitness and recovery hotel. Marriott Marquis Dubai; and Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences.
affordable vacation options
One misconception that tourism officials are working to debunk is that Dubai is a destination only for wealthy travelers. “Dubai is known for its high-end luxury, which unfortunately many people consider out of reach,” Kazim says. “What they don’t realize is that Dubai has a lot to offer to suit every budget.
“3 and 4 star hotels are experiencing significant growth. I recommend staying in a 3 star hotel in Dubai, so you can actually stay in a 5 star hotel in many places around the world. You can see that we are competing with star hotels.”
Kazim pointed out that Dubai also promotes the destination to families and offers a significant number of experiences tailored to that demographic.
Dubai International Airport. (Photo credit: Grigory Bruev / Adobe Stock)
A major selling point for all types of travelers is Dubai’s reputation as a safe destination. “If you get completely lost in the city, you don’t have to worry about your safety. I think that’s magic,” Kazim said.
Partnering with advisors
Currently, only 7% of Dubai guests come from the Americas market, but tourism authorities are working to increase that share. One way to do that is through our Travel Advisor community.
“When it comes to travel advisors, it’s our responsibility to get them into the city and experience it first-hand,” Kazim said, noting that first-hand experience is what makes a destination appealing. He added that he strongly believes that. The lives of advisors and their clients.
“I think it’s really important for us to create a trade fam that brings advisors to Dubai and lets them really go out and explore,” he said.
Dubai offers advisors a wealth of sales and marketing tools to help sell the destination. First, travel advisors can register on the Dubai Expert learning platform, which features fun and interactive training games that can enhance their knowledge of a destination.
Sunset in downtown Dubai (Photo credit: Rastislav Sedlak SK/Adobe Stock)
The destination is also a preferred supplier to Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network and Travel Leaders.
arabic travel market
The 2024 event, themed “Powering Innovation – Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,” will bring together more than 600 exhibitors and 46,000 attendees from 160 countries, breaking previous records. did.
During the event, Dubai released its 2024 Sustainability Report, which details the Dubai Reef project, among others. “As part of this initiative, 20,000 purpose-built coral reef modules will be deployed across Dubai waters over four years, leaving a lasting legacy by supporting fish populations and environmental management,” tourism officials said. said.
“The 31st Arabian Travel Market is the most successful yet for Dubai Economy and Tourism, as we collaborate with travel industry leaders to discuss the future of travel and the latest trends transforming our industry. and delivered strong results,” Kazim said.
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