TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
As per the latest figures released at the second bi-annual City Briefing of 2021, as many as 9.4 million room nights were sold between January and October 2021 compared to seven million room nights during the same period in 2019. The strategy for the New Year is to show Dubai as a global hub in all sectors.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) revealed that the emirate welcomed 4.88 million visitors between January and October, 2021 with international visitation during October reaching over one million. Reflecting the growth momentum and stability of the industry, international visitation was complemented by a robust domestic tourism market, resulting in 9.4 million room nights sold between January and October, 2021 in comparison to seven million room nights sold in the same period in 2019.
The latest tourism figures were released at the second bi-annual City Briefing of 2021 held by the Dubai’s DET to update stakeholders with the tourism sector’s positive growth and insights into global marketing campaigns. As Dubai continues to lead the global tourism rebound and stimulate global business growth, the forum featured a presentation on domestic and global developments, including an overview of increasing visitor numbers, hotel occupancy, and activities in international markets. All these have reinforced Dubai’s profile as a safe, must-visit destination and the world’s best city to live, work and visit.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s DET, presided over the meeting which was attended by 1,150 representatives from leading hospitality, travel, and tourism establishments. The forum was part of DET’s dialogue with business leaders to collaborate and exchange insights to ensure the industry is seamlessly aligned with tourism growth initiatives and strategies. Held at Ain Dubai, the forum discussed ways and means to accelerate growth in the industry, leveraging the landmark attractions to open in Dubai.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s DET, commented: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai and strengthened by the success of Expo 2020 Dubai and the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Jubilee celebrations, Dubai has been at the vanguard of the world’s tourism and economic rebound, setting the tone for sustained recovery and growth.
“Our strategy to combat COVID-19 and deploy initiatives to increase our global competitiveness and attractiveness, is the hallmark of Dubai’s progressive PPP model, cornerstone of what was achieved in 2021, and what will be achieved in the next 12 to 24 months. Expo 2020 provides us with a unique platform to engage with the global community, since all hotels and tourism partners work closely to facilitate visits for their guests to maximise this opportunity. Through this energized, cohesive tourism and economic ecosystem, I am confident that Dubai will deliver on its vision of being the world’s leading global centre for investment, business, talent, visitation and next-generation thinking.”
In a study in October 2021, occupancy was at 64 per cent, while the length of stay showed a 12 per cent rise from 4.1 nights to 4.6 nights. During this period, there were 24.74 million occupied room nights across the emirate at an average daily rate of AED384 compared to 15.66 million occupied room nights at an average daily rate of AED335. Room inventory is now 6 per cent higher than in 2019.
Taking a closer look at the profile of global visitors, research showed that in the first half of 2021, Dubai visitors were balanced across genders with 52 per cent male visitors and 48 per cent female visitors. This apart, the emirate attracted a higher first-time visitor’s volume, reflecting the attractivenes of the city despite the pandemic.
Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said: “At Dubai’s DTE, we are proud to be part of the success. Dubai has in 2021 achieved on the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Over the last five decades, Dubai has transformed into a global tourism and business hub, and strengthened its position as one of the safest destinations in the world. With world-class infrastructure, Dubai is becoming the preferred business hub for conglomerates and start-ups alike. We have used innovative campaigns to highlight the city’s touristic appeal and reach overseas markets, the latest being — Dubai Presents.”
To ensure that Dubai was the destination of choice for 2021, DET launched a global marketing campaign via ‘Dubai Presents’ that broadcast 3,500 assets across 25 languages and targeted audiences seeking international travel.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism
Inspired by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has been at the vanguard of the world’s tourism and economic rebound, setting the tone for sustained recovery and growth. Expo 2020 provides us with a unique platform to engage with the global community, since all hotels and tourism partners work closely to facilitate visits for their guests to maximise this opportunity.
Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, DTCM
We have used innovative global campaigns to further highlight the city’s multi-faceted touristic appeal and reach overseas markets, with the latest being — Dubai Presents. This synergetic approach showcasing Dubai’s diverse offering involves the enlistment of celebrities, influencers and community personalities to create a steady stream of ambassadors and advocates to narrate Dubai’s story across gastronomy, retail, tourism, leisure and events to showcase it as the best city to live, visit and work in
