Tourism in Dubai 'back on track', with emirate well placed to overcome challenges

The emirate is continuously striving to become one of the preferred destinations for all tourists, says Dubai Economy and Tourism chief

Hotel occupancy in Dubai stood at 58 per cent between July 2020 and May 2021. Photo: Dubai Tourism

Dubai's tourism sector is “back on track” as the emirate continues to implement high standards of hygiene, health and safety measures throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and the emirate is well positioned to adapt to the future of travel in the post-Covid era, the chief executive of Dubai Economy and Tourism said.

The emirate hosted six million visitors in the 11 months from January to November 2021, sold 9.4 million room nights for domestic tourists alone and reopened 736 hotel establishments with around 135,000 rooms and recorded occupancy levels of 60 per cent, underscoring the global demand for travel and Dubai's role in the recovery, said Issam Kazim, through video conferencing at the Dubai Accessible Tourism International Summit on Wednesday.

“Tourism in Dubai is back on track and this is the result of strategic measures taken … that enable our city to safely navigate and accelerate out of this unprecedented global challenge,” Mr Kazim said. “The citywide safety measures provide a strong position to overcome any current or new challenges.”

Dubai remains one of the few international tourism hubs still open for travellers during the peak holiday period that was disrupted globally by the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.

In December, Dubai International Airport retained its position as the world's busiest for international passengers, overtaking major hubs such as London's Heathrow, as passenger traffic surged during the busy travel period. The emirate held on to the top spot with 3.54 million seats, about one million more than the next busiest airport, Heathrow, according to aviation consultancy OAG.

“As one of the first destinations to successfully open to international tourists, we are continuously striving to achieve the goal of becoming one of the preferred destinations for all tourists, including people of determination,” Mr Kazim said.

People of determination — people with special needs or disabilities — who comprise 15 per cent or one billion of the world’s population, represent a massive market opportunity to boost the global travel and tourism sector. However, further improvements are needed in legislation, facilities and staff training to tap into this potential, according to experts and stakeholders at the summit.

This figure is expected to double to two billion people by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation, making it even more crucial for businesses to address the inclusive travel segment. About 50 million people with special needs in the Middle East look forward to visiting cities and tourist destinations with appropriate services that meet their needs.

“I don't know why they're not looking for this money, we're 15 per cent of the total population, we're a big business for tourism,” Majid Usaimi, a member of the Higher Committee for Protection of Rights of Persons with Disabilities at Dubai Executive Council, told reporters on the sidelines of the summit. “It's big money … make it accessible to everyone so you have tourists the whole year, it's good for you.”

People enjoying the Sunday holiday with their family members at the Kite beach in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Co-ordination between stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry — from airlines, airports, hotels, entertainment venues, transport and others — is necessary to ensure seamless facilities for people of determination during their travels, he added.

The lack of adequate facilities and services causes the global economy to lose about €142 billion ($162.10bn) each year and 3.4 million jobs annually, Anna Grazia Laura, president of the European Network for Accessible Tourism, said.

“Accessibility, whether physical access or providing information, is likely to be an area of interest”, she said. “So the tourism sector will need to adapt to changing trends and the adoption of innovative approaches to accommodate the new demands and needs and preferences of emerging markets, according to their characteristics [and] behaviour.”

In a panel in which people of determination from various sectors gathered to provide their insights for more inclusive travel, they concluded the discussion with recommendations for about 20 initiatives for smoother journeys.

These included professional staff who are skilled in dealing with travellers of determination with their various needs at check-in points, security checks, passports and other points inside the airport facilities.

Other recommendations included providing guiding plates in sign language, providing sign language interpreters at airports to assist passengers with hearing impairments and providing bathrooms on board planes that are better equipped for special needs.

Things to see in the UAE — in pictures:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Ryan Carter / The National

A dhow crossing Dubai creek close to the spice souk. Reem Mohammed / The National

A view of Marina district towers from the observation deck of 'The View at The Palm Jumeirah' in Dubai. Photo: AP Photo

The world's longest zip-line at Toroverde Adventure Park, on Jebel Jais. Photo: RAK Tourism

An aerial view of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. AFP

Kayakers at the Eastern Mangroves area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The Al Ain Dubai wheel on Bluewaters Island, close to Caesars hotel. Photo: Caesars Bluewaters Dubai

Kite beach in Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The aquarium at Dubai mall draws a huge number of visitors every year. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Dubai skyline is famous for having the tallest structure in the world among its buildings. Reem Mohammed / The National

The Joker Funhouse at Gotham city in Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. Reem Mohammed / The National

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros can all be experienced on a visit to Yas Island. Photo: Yas Island

Jebel Jais. Photo: RAK Tourism Authority

Motiongate Dubai. Photo: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Khor Fakkan is located on the east coast of the UAE. Antonie Robertson / The National

Legoland Water Park is one of several parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts operated by DXB Entertainments. Photo: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Safari park is closing for the summer in Al Warqa. Chris Whiteoak / The National