Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, recently attended the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) first ‘City Briefing’ of 2023. The event provided an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Dubai Economic Agenda, known as D33, and emphasized the vital role of the city’s tourism sector in ensuring the success of the 10-year plan.
The Dubai Economic Agenda is a bold and ambitious plan aimed at creating a legacy that will be celebrated by future generations. The agenda focuses on fostering a climate of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity to position Dubai among the world’s top three premier destinations. Helal Saeed Almarri, the Director General of DET, expressed great optimism for the year 2023 and beyond, highlighting the determination and renewed focus on delivering exceptional experiences for visitors from around the world.
The gathering was attended by over 1,200 executives from various sectors within the tourism ecosystem, including aviation, travel, hospitality, and retail. It served as a platform to discuss and align strategies to drive the growth of Dubai’s tourism industry.
Dubai’s tourism sector has showcased an impressive performance, with a continuous upward trajectory. From January to April 2023, the city welcomed 6.02 million international visitors, marking an 18% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2022, which saw 5.10 million visitors. This significant growth reflects the resilience and attractiveness of Dubai as a global destination.
The hotel sector in Dubai has also demonstrated resilience and strength, with an average occupancy rate of 80% during the January-April period in 2023. This occupancy level ranks among the highest in the world, surpassing the 76% achieved during the corresponding period in 2022 and nearly matching the pre-pandemic rate of 83% in 2019. Dubai’s hotel supply has grown by 26% since the pre-pandemic era, with 148,949 rooms in 814 hotel establishments at the end of April 2023 compared to 118,449 rooms in 722 establishments in April 2019. The average length of stay by guests has also increased by 13% to four nights, indicating Dubai’s appeal as a destination for longer stays.
Data from industry expert Amadeus indicates that search and booking volumes for Dubai have remained steady, with January to April 2023 nearing pre-pandemic levels. These numbers are particularly significant, reflecting the high levels seen during the Expo and pre-World Cup 2022 period.
Issam Kazim, the CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), presented an overview of the industry and shared valuable insights into visitor trends and marketing strategies. Collaboration with stakeholders and partners was emphasized as crucial to maintaining Dubai’s position as the preferred destination for global travelers. Various global campaigns have successfully showcased the diversity of Dubai’s offerings, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a leading global destination, the support and commitment from government entities, industry stakeholders, and tourism partners play a pivotal role. With a thriving tourism sector and ambitious plans in place, Dubai is poised to attract even more visitors and create exceptional experiences that will shape the city’s future as a world-class destination.