Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Dubai hit a record with 17.15M international visitors in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, fueled by innovative tourism and D33 agenda.
In 2023, Dubai set a new milestone by attracting an unprecedented 17.15 million international visitors who stayed overnight, as reported by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This figure not only signifies a 19.4% increase from the 14.36 million arrivals in 2022 but also surpasses the former record of 16.73 million guests in 2019.
This surge in visitor numbers is a testament to Dubai’s ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda D33, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aimed at propelling Dubai into the top three global cities for both business and leisure, creating an unparalleled environment for residents and visitors alike.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The best ever performance of Dubai’s tourism sector in 2023 is a testament to the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness’s commitment to fostering resilience, excellence and innovation across economic sectors and encouraging meaningful public-private partnerships that deliver value has had a transformative impact on tourism development in the emirate.
Dubai’s ability to constantly generate diverse and refreshingly novel travel and tourism experiences catering to a wide range of visitors has been a key factor behind this exceptional performance. With several indicators outperforming pre-pandemic levels, this year’s results mark Dubai out as a vibrant focal point of growth in the global tourism landscape.”
A significant contributor to this achievement has been Dubai’s inventive approach to travel and tourism, offering a plethora of unique experiences for a broad spectrum of tourists. This has placed Dubai as a leading destination in the global tourism industry, especially highlighted by its performance surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks.
The city was also recognized as the top global destination for the third consecutive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, marking a historic achievement. This accolade, along with Dubai’s comprehensive offerings and superior infrastructure, emphasizes its appeal to a wide audience, from budget travelers to luxury seekers, bolstered by a packed calendar of events spanning business, leisure, and sports.
The tourism industry’s growth is closely linked to Dubai’s economic progress, with a notable 3.3% GDP increase in the first three quarters of 2023. Particularly, the accommodation and food services sectors experienced an impressive 11.1% growth, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a tourism powerhouse.
Dubai’s tourism success has outpaced global trends, with the Middle East region leading the recovery post-pandemic, showcasing a 22% increase in visitation over 2019 figures. This resilience and growth are largely attributed to effective leadership and a robust partnership between the public and private sectors.
Dubai continues to attract visitors from key markets worldwide, with significant contributions from the GCC, MENA, Western Europe, South Asia, and other regions, reflecting its status as a preferred destination.
The city’s hospitality sector has also excelled, with record-high occupancy rates and room nights, demonstrating the competitive yet appealing nature of Dubai’s hotel industry.
His Excellency Issam Kazim emphasized the city’s continuous innovation and world-class offerings as key to maintaining growth and attracting more visitors, aiming to transform Dubai into the ultimate city for living, working, and visiting.
His Excellency, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “The significant rebound of Dubai’s tourism sector, outstripping global recovery rates, stands as a testament to the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This surge not only commemorates the inaugural year of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 but also highlights the efficacy of a strategy that is a decade in the making, exemplifying resilience and adaptability as central to our economic impetus.
Under the oversight of this decisive leadership and a proven public-private partnership model, Dubai has sustained robust growth, fostering confidence within local and global industries, players and enablers.
Our success stems from a diversified portfolio, with significant gains in leisure, new emerging segments, and the MICE sector as a whole, which have been further catalysed by liberal visa policies and dynamic private sector ambition. These strides reinforce Dubai’s status as a premier destination for living, visiting, and conducting business.
With the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s strategy serving as our economic compass for the next ten years, we are committed to strengthening the tourism sector, enhancing our assets and infrastructure, and stimulating broader economic growth. This comprehensive approach ensures tourism thrives in tandem with our goals of talent acquisition, business acceleration and government innovation, to position Dubai as the epicentre for all those eyeing their next phase of growth and expansion.”
Dubai has garnered various international recognitions, being named the top city for relocation, remote working, and as a leading global destination, underlining its dynamic and appealing environment for both residents and visitors.
Strategic partnerships and unique events, such as collaborations with Real Madrid and engaging cultural experiences, further highlight Dubai’s vibrant culture and innovative spirit.
The city’s commitment to sustainability, enhanced hospitality offerings, and strategic plans for beach expansion and urban development are integral to its vision for future growth, aiming to double the leisure and green spaces and enhance the tourism and hospitality landscape significantly.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
