The tourism sector in the UAE achieved a hotel occupancy rate of 62% in the first half of this year, surpassing major global tourist destinations. This rate is higher than that of the world's top 10 tourist destinations, such as China at 54%, the USA at 45%, Mexico at 38%, the UK at 37%, and Turkey at 36%. The hospitality and tourism establishments attracted approximately 8.3 million guests during this period, marking a 15% growth compared to the first half of last year. During the same comparison period, the number of hotel nights spent by guests reached around 35 million, representing a 30% growth. Additionally, the average length of stay for guests increased to 4.1 nights, a 12.5% rise, along with a 31% growth in hotel revenues, reaching 11.3 billion dirhams. Domestic tourism accounted for more than 30% of the total guests in hospitality establishments.
Key Driver
His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al-Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs and Head of the UAE Tourism Council, confirmed that the positive results achieved by the tourism sector in the first half of this year reflect the vision and directives of the wise leadership regarding the importance of tourism as a key contributor to the economy. It showcases the strength and resilience of the national tourism sector, the development of the UAE's tourism market, the diversity of its offerings, the effectiveness of national campaigns highlighting the country's tourism attributes, the unique and varied destinations across the seven emirates, and the development of hospitality facilities and excellence in service provision. He noted that this new achievement is the result of collaborative efforts by government entities concerned with developing domestic tourism to attract larger numbers of local and international tourists.
Growth Journey
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Falasi emphasized the UAE's continuous efforts to consolidate its leading position on the global tourism map and to sustain growth in international tourism and hospitality indicators. He pointed out that the growth of tourism in the country reflects global confidence in the preventive measures taken to ensure the health and safety of hotel guests and visitors at tourist destinations. He also highlighted that the high vaccination rates in the UAE, reaching 80% and among the highest worldwide, contributed to increasing safety and confidence in the tourism sector.
He stated that the authorities involved in tourism development in the country continue their joint efforts and coordination to enhance growth in UAE tourism in the coming phase through qualitative projects and initiatives, including preparations for the upcoming domestic tourism campaign and launching external tourism promotional campaigns to open new markets for attracting tourists to the UAE. He underscored the significance of hosting the global event "Expo 2020 Dubai" in October, welcoming delegations from over 192 countries, which will significantly boost the tourism sector and lead to leaps in hotel sector growth indicators, hotel occupancy rates, and overall tourism activity.
Increased Demand
Mohammed Jassim Al-Rais, Vice President of Al-Rais Travel and Cruises, noted an observed increase in demand for tourism in the UAE recently, as it is distinguished as a superb tourist destination with high-end recreational facilities and advanced tourism infrastructure. He also mentioned a rise in demand from domestic tourism, leading to competition among tourism companies to offer exceptional tourist packages aimed at enhancing domestic tourism across the various emirates.
Clear Vision
Haitham Mattar, President of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts for India, the Middle East, and Africa, stated that thanks to the support of the UAE government and its clear vision for developing the tourism sector and enhancing its leadership, competitiveness, and sustainability, the sector has experienced remarkable growth and recovery in recent times, as evidenced by the strong performance of the hotel group’s portfolio in the UAE. Mattar also confirmed the significant role of tourism agencies in the country and noteworthy national tourism initiatives such as the "Most Beautiful Winter in the World" campaign, which greatly supported local tourism, resulting in increased demand and higher bookings.
