dubai tourism
Dubai welcomed 4.67 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 3.97 million in the same period in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 17% and the city’s best quarterly performance since the pandemic, confirming progress towards its goals. To be the most popular and most visited destination in the world.
The latest figures released by Dubai’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism show that the city is accelerating its return to strong tourism momentum, which is helping to achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai Al Maktoum aims to cement Dubai’s position as one of the world’s top three economic cities.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirate’s Executive Council, said: “Dubai’s significant increase in international tourist arrivals underscores Dubai’s role as a key destination driving economic growth. One of the status. World tourism.”
The Crown Prince of Dubai added: “The Dubai Economic Agenda launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid earlier this year sets an ambitious path for Dubai to strengthen its contribution to shaping the future of the global economy, while tourism remains part of an integrated agenda that is one of the main pillars. Tourism is an important factor in cementing its unique position.” Dubai as a vital link between markets and cultures…work is continuing to deliver more groundbreaking initiatives to make Dubai the best city in the world to travel, live, work and invest.
The publication of the Dubai International Visitor Report comes on the sidelines of Dubai Economy and Tourism’s participation in the 30th Arabian Travel Market exhibition, currently being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, confirming it is the fastest recovering destination in the world, It arrived in the first quarter of this year. The number of international tourists this year is likely to be around 80-95% of pre-pandemic levels, especially in Europe and the Middle East.
Dubai welcomed 4.67 million tourists in the first quarter of 2023, close to the average for the same period in 2019, which saw 4.75 million tourists, an outstanding achievement since the emirate opened to international tourists in July 2020, despite The global economic downturn and its negative impact on tourism, however, was unusual for the first quarter of this year as the UAE was named the top destination in the world in the 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards presented by Trip Advisor. For the second time in a row, and only the second time in history, the award has been purposefully won two years in a row.
Commenting on the performance, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said: “The positive results for the first quarter of this year confirm that we are on the right track to realize the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which aims to To make Dubai the best city in the world. The best place in the world to live, work and visit. This also reflects the success of our strategy and the continued support provided by our local and international partners in the sector and translated into the city Excellent service and experience enjoyed by residents and visitors.While we will work together to improve tourism, there will be a clear transformation in the tourism industry in the next decade in terms of infrastructure, tourist attractions and excellent experiences, in line with the goals set out in D33 of the Dubai Economic Agenda effort made.
He added: “We will continue to follow our multi-faceted strategy in 2023 and beyond, which has contributed significantly to our success in 2022, while maintaining the attractiveness of Dubai International Airport as a destination of choice for travellers, and Always be a showcase for destinations when they make travel decisions.” For everything new and unique, diversify markets and geographies, and launch global marketing campaigns to reach target groups around the world, as well as revitalize conferences, incentives , meetings and exhibitions sector, organizes business events, organizes festivals and entertainment programs, and strengthens relationships with partners and stakeholders. While we look forward to increasing the momentum of tourism, the pillars of sustainability, trade and technology, as well as an exceptional dining experience, will form the basis of our future success. There is no doubt that with 2023 declared as the year of sustainable development in the country and the city getting ready to host the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change “COP28”. The concept of sustainability will be the foundation of everything we do, introducing sustainable practices in every aspect of the visitor experience to make Dubai the best city in the world. The world to live, work and visit. “
Strong return to key markets
Key traditional markets sending tourists to Dubai recorded significant tourism activity in the first quarter of this year, confirming the success of its market diversification and geographic diversification strategy. The GCC region and the MENA region accounted for 29 percent of the total, reflecting the city’s attractiveness to tourists from surrounding markets. The Western European region accounted for 22% of the total number of international tourists, while South Asia accounted for 16% of the total international tourist arrivals, followed by the CIS and Eastern Europe combined at 15%, the Americas at 7%, and North, South and East Asia at 15%. . 6%, Africa 4%, Oceania (including Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and neighboring islands) finally 1%.
In most regions, the number of tourists in the first quarter of 2023 has increased significantly compared with the same period in 2022. Four regions have fully recovered and exceeded the level of the first quarter of 2019. The CIS and Eastern European regions increased by 48% month-on-month. The Middle East and North Africa region grew 32% sequentially, the Americas region grew 9% sequentially compared to Q1 2019, and Oceania grew 2% compared to Q1 2019. Tourism in South Asia and Western Europe is close to pre-pandemic levels.
High occupancy rate in the hotel industry
In the first quarter of this year, the hotel industry performed strongly, and the occupancy rate remained high. The average hotel occupancy rate in the first three months of 2023 was about 83%, one of the highest in the world. Almost equivalent to the 84% occupancy rate in the first quarter of 2019, this achievement was due to a 26% increase in the capacity of hotel facilities. The total number of hotel rooms in the emirate stood at 148,877 rooms across 814 hotel establishments by the end of March 2023, compared to 118,039 rooms across 717 hotel establishments in 2019.
Local and international investment in the industry has contributed to the increase in the number of hotel rooms, with the total number of hotel rooms increasing by 6% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Dubai Hotels also achieved significant growth across all hotel industry indicators in Q1 2023, with room bookings reaching nearly 11 million nights, a 7% year-on-year increase and a 27% year-on-year increase in Q1 2019 before the corona pandemic. 8.63 million nights were recorded.
The average daily rate per room reached $165 in the first three months of the year, up 22% from $136 in the same period in 2019. Revenue from available rooms reached $137 in the first quarter of 2023, up 21% from $114 in the three months before the coronavirus pandemic.
The average length of stay of guests increased from 3.5 nights to 4 nights, a 14% increase over the same period in 2019, also pointing to the strong performance of the hotel industry, enhancing the attractiveness of the city for visitors to stay longer.
Issam Kazim, Executive Director of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “The efforts made have allowed us to take steady steps to strengthen Dubai’s position as a premier tourist destination through a number of innovative initiatives. Many Global initiatives, strategies and marketing campaigns involving stars, celebrities and influencers. In addition to using modern digital platforms to reach as many target audiences as possible around the world, measures are taken to simplify international tourists, reduce travel barriers and make visiting Dubai a breeze relax and happy.
He added: “Commitment to our shared vision is critical to maintaining Dubai’s global reputation and ensuring it receives more international tourists. First or repeat, as well as working to ensure Dubai continues to perform exceptionally well into 2023 and beyond to stay ahead The global travel market is characterized by intense competition, especially in light of the huge leaps in tourist expectations and experiences in the global travel market.
Leading Sustainability Initiatives
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism is working to strengthen its efforts in non-traditional tourism to attract tourists, strengthening its existing and emerging markets, in addition to finding new growth opportunities in local and international markets. The success of this approach in enhancing Dubai’s tourism strategy depends largely on the pillars of sustainability, trade and technology. Excellent dining experience.
As Dubai takes a more progressive, inclusive and long-term approach to sustain sustainable growth, and as more travelers seek out sustainable destinations, sustainability is becoming more of an opportunity and driver of growth. important. While sustainability is an important part of Dubai’s development strategy, hosting a global event such as COP28 presents a major opportunity to highlight Dubai’s sustainable tourism initiative, which aims to make tourism more sustainable and help promote clean energy and sustainable development. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Program also caters to international visitors looking for authentic local experiences that promote sustainable practices. One of the highlights of Dubai’s sustainable tourism initiative is the sustainable ‘Dubai Initiative’ campaign, which encourages the use of refillable plastic bottles. It has managed to reduce consumption of single-use plastic 500ml bottles, selling more than seven million bottles since its launch in February 2022.
On the other hand, the ‘Gastronomy Always on’ campaign continues to elevate Dubai’s rich and varied dining scene, focusing on diversity, added value, authenticity and experience. The emirate’s investment in infrastructure and mechanisms to support entrepreneurs has also paid off, making it a destination for emerging companies, global talent and entrepreneurs.
In view of the main features of Dubai Urban Planning 2040, Dubai is committed to continuously providing new and unique experiences for international tourists with the support of partners and stakeholders. The plan aims to develop Dubai’s products and expand tourism products by more than 100%, Provide new areas of investment for every city dweller and visitor, and increase the diversity of attractions and experiences. Dubai is also continuing to bid in various areas such as ecotourism, food tourism, medical tourism, cruise tourism, sports tourism and becoming a leading wedding hub.
Dubai is also trying to capitalize on its advantages as a destination for major international events, attracting more tourists to the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector, as well as hosting business and entertainment events.
The first quarter of 2023 saw the organization and staging of various festivals and events including Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Arts Festival, Emirates Aviation Literature Festival, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai World Cup, Yacht Show, World Government Summit, besides the Gulfood Exhibition , the world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibition, has hosted more than 5,000 exhibitors from more than 125 countries.
The period ahead will see many other major events such as the hosting of COP28, as well as festivals and events that cement Dubai’s status as an ideal summer destination for families, as well as many other recurring events such as Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai Games and Digital Sports Festival, and the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Dubai is keen to provide more convenience, such as visa initiatives, including Golden Visa and 5-year multiple-entry visa, as well as ‘remote work’ and ‘retire in Dubai’ schemes to facilitate entry into the emirate and pave the way for long-term residency .
Dubai has also emerged as a preferred and attractive destination for university students as many parents prefer to send their children to study at internationally renowned universities through their existing headquarters in the emirate. Establishing its position as a leading global destination for business, investment and tourism industries, and a preferred global city to live, work and visit.