Dubai experienced a substantial boost in international tourism during the first 11 months of 2023, welcoming 15.37 million visitors. This figure represents a notable 20 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
According to economymiddleeast.com, The surge underscores Dubai’s continued appeal as a global travel destination and its resilience in attracting tourists amid evolving global circumstances.
According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the number of international tourists to the emirate exceeded 2019 levels by 2.46 percent, when the number of international tourists reached 15 million tourists.
Tourists numbers
The department’s data revealed that European tourists topped the list with 19 percent of the total number of tourists (2.9 million). Second came tourists from South Asia with 18 percent (2.755 million), then the Gulf Cooperation Council with 16 percent (2.43 million). Meanwhile, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe came fourth with 13 percent (2.024 million). The Middle East and North Africa region recorded 12 percent (1.907 million). Meanwhile, the countries of North and Southeast Asia recorded 9 percent (1.292 million). Moreover, the Americas recorded 7 percent (1.086 million). Finally, Africa came last with 4 percent of tourists to Dubai (649,000).
Meanwhile, the number of hotel rooms as of November 2023 reached more than 149,680 rooms in 820 establishments. That is compared to 145,000 rooms in 794 establishments recorded at the end of November 2022.
The average hotel occupancy in Dubai during the first 11 months of 2023 reached 77 percent, compared to 73 percent in the same period in 2022, and 75 percent for the same period in 2019.
Meanwhile, the number of booked rooms exceeded 38 million nights in the first 11 months of 2023, compared to about 34 million nights in the same period in 2022, and 29.1 million nights in 2019.
UAE’s profits
Earlier, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, launched the national domestic tourism campaign ‘Most Beautiful Winter in the World’. The initiative is part of the UAE’s domestic tourism strategy, which it launched in December 2020. It aims to develop an integrated tourism system at the state level to organize and boost local tourism.
Enjoying the UAE winter
The new version of the campaign aims to stimulate domestic tourism and attract tourists from all over the world to enjoy winter in the Emirates, and all the attractions that the country provides.
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, minister of Economy, explained that the fourth edition of the ‘Most Beautiful Winter in the World’ campaign contributes to highlighting tourist attractions and winter experiences in the UAE. The campaign is ongoing until February 20, 2024. It highlights the UAE’s cultural heritage as well as the charming and picturesque natural landscapes. The campaign also supports the goals of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and enhances the UAE’s leading position as a travel and tourism hub.
