Dubai, one of the region’s largest tourism and business hubs, witnessed a remarkable surge in international tourists in January 2024. According to the latest Dubai Tourism Performance Report issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the emirate welcomed 1.77 million international tourists in January. This marks a significant 21 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The report unveils key insights into the source markets driving this surge and underscores Dubai’s enduring appeal as a top global destination.
Diverse source markets
Western Europe emerged as the leading source market for international tourists to Dubai. They made up over 18 percent of the total visitors with a remarkable 327,000 arrivals. Meanwhile, GCC countries followed closely with 311,000 visitors, representing nearly 18 percent of the total arrivals. Proximity and strong economic ties continue to drive tourism flows from neighboring Gulf nations, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for regional travelers. South Asia secured the third position, with 294,000 visitors comprising approximately 17 percent of the total international arrivals.
In fourth place, the number of international tourists from Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe recorded 262,000, or 15 percent, of Dubai’s total. Meanwhile, the number of visitors from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached 211,000 or 12 percent of the total number of tourists coming to Dubai, ranking fifth.
North and Southeast Asia ranked sixth for international tourists to Dubai. Dubai saw 149,000 visitors from both regions, with a share of 8 percent. Meanwhile, the Americas contributed 115,000 visitors, accounting for approximately 6 percent of the total arrivals.
Read: Places to visit in Dubai
Hospitality sector grows
In addition to the surge in international tourists, the average occupancy rate in Dubai’s hotels reached 83 percent compared to 80 percent in January 2023. The number of occupied room nights saw a 6 percent year-on-year growth to 3.84 million. In addition, the average length of guests’ stays reached 3.8 nights. Meanwhile, the average daily room rate in Dubai saw a 7 percent increase to AED643.
Dubai’s efforts to become a global tourism hub and attract more international tourists fall in line with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to strengthen the position of the UAE as one of the best destinations in the world for tourism. Moreover, the strategy seeks to welcome 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031.
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