Dubai:– Dubai's tourism industry continues its meteoric rise, with the city welcoming a record 5.18 million international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2024. This impressive achievement, marking an 11% increase from the same period last year, was announced by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) during the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
Leadership and Vision
The visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been instrumental in propelling Dubai's tourism sector to new heights. Under his guidance, Dubai has solidified its position as a leading global city for business and leisure.
Strategic Partnerships and Growth
Strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors have played a crucial role in Dubai's tourism success. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai commended the efforts of all stakeholders in promoting Dubai as an attractive destination.
Exceptional recognition
Dubai's exceptional performance has garnered global recognition, with the city recently named the No.1 global destination for the third consecutive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. This accolade further cements Dubai's reputation as a must-visit destination.
Key source markets and hotel occupancy
From January to March, Dubai's key source markets included Western Europe, South Asia, and CIS and Eastern Europe. Despite a 2% increase in overall room supply, Dubai's hotels maintained an impressive room occupancy rate of 83%, with average daily rates and revenue per available room experiencing significant increases compared to the previous year.
Sustainability initiatives
Dubai's commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives such as the 'Refill for Life' campaign and the Dubai Reef project. These efforts underscore Dubai's dedication to environmental conservation and responsible tourism practices.
Driving economic growth
The tourism sector continues to drive Dubai's economic growth, with initiatives supporting investment, entrepreneurship, and talent attraction. Dubai College of Tourism and Dubai SME are among the entities contributing to the development of a skilled workforce and fostering entrepreneurship in the city.
Global leisure hub
Dubai's status as a global leisure hub is further solidified through its diverse culinary offerings, expanding cruise sector, and year-round calendar of events. With the Dubai Food Festival currently underway and a myriad of attractions and events on the horizon, Dubai remains poised to maintain its status as one of the world's most sought-after destinations for business and leisure travelers alike.