Hotels in the UAE recorded a 27 per cent annual jump in revenues to Dh32.2 billion ($8.7 billion) in the first nine months of 2023, reflecting a robust uplift in the country's tourism sector, according to the Minister of Economy.
The number of hotel guests in the Emirates reached 20.2 million during the January-September period, up 12 per cent from the same period in 2022, Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, said on Thursday.
The hotel occupancy rate hit 75 per cent during the period, recording a 6 per cent annual growth.
These indicators play a crucial role in achieving the national target set by the We The UAE 2031 vision to raise the sector’s contribution to the country’s economy to Dh450 billion by the next decade, said Mr bin Touq, who is also chairman of the UAE Tourism Council.
Tourism is considered one of the strategic pillars towards transitioning towards a new economic model.
Meanwhile, to boost the tourism industry in the Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday launched the fourth season of the domestic tourism campaign, World’s Coolest Winter 2024, which runs until February 20.
The initiative, under the theme “unforgettable stories”, is aimed at showcasing the UAE's “unique tourism attractions and winter experiences, its rich cultural heritage, and enchanting natural landscapes”, said Mr bin Touq.
The campaign aligns with the goals of the National Tourism Strategy 2031, launched in November 2022, to attract 40 million hotel guests by 2031 and Dh100 billion in tourism investment to the UAE.
It has yielded substantial economic benefits for domestic tourism, with hotel revenues reaching Dh1.8 billion, up 20 per cent compared to the second edition of the campaign, which amounted to Dh1.5 billion, according to official data.
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The Museum of the Future, with its remarkable architecture, has quickly become a highlight for visitors to Dubai. Photo: DTCM -
The Wild Wadi Waterpark in Jumeirah is one of the attractions that make Dubai a family-friendly destination. Photo: Wild Wadi -
The shops, cafes, bars and restaurants along Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai are popular among tourists. Photo: Reuters -
A jump at Skydive Dubai has become a must-do for daredevil visitors. Photo: Skydive Dubai -
Admirers will say that the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world at about 830 metres, is Dubai's most famous tourist attraction. Photo: Dar Al Arkan -
Visitors can enjoy an almost immersive experience of water and light at the Dubai Fountain. Photo: Alamy -
A visit to Dubai often involves a trip to Al Fahidi Fort, with its dhow installation to celebrate the Gulf's maritime history. Photo: Alamy -
The ski lift at Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates. With its 22,500 square metres of skiiing, the centre is arguably one of the Gulf region's most eye-catching and unexpected attractions. Photo: AP -
Bluewaters Island, where the Ain Dubai wheel is located. Photo: Reuters -
One of the pods on the Ain Dubai that offer visitors sweeping views of the city and Arabian Gulf waters. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Ain Dubai lights up. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
