Tourism in Dubai Set to Soar to 20 Million by 2020

Dubai tourism figures are expected to increase exponentially over the next four years, with an estimated 20 million international tourists due to visit the United Arab Emirates city by 2020.

According to The Express online, Dubai has witnessed an unprecedented number of visitors in recent years and these figures are expected to rise as the city aims to become more tourist-friendly.

The government has played a crucial role in creating the right environment for a thriving tourist culture with new tourist destinations, no value-added-tax, events such as Expo 2020 Dubai, and other initiatives set to boost tourism in the region.

Tourist bosses suggest that up to 20 million international tourists will visit Dubai by 2020

Dubai Tourism say that the city recorded 15.8 million overnight visitors in 2017, a 6.2% increase from 2016. 4.7 million overnight visitors were recorded in the first quarter of 2018 which is a 2% rise compared to figures for the same period last year.

The UEA hospitality market is set to achieve 5.8 billion by 2022 – a rise of 3.9 million since 2017.

Airbnb rates in the UEA are also increasing. Revenues have risen by 421% in Dubai in two years according to a recent report by Chesterton’s MENA.

Sameena Ahmed, managing director at investment bank Alpen Capital, told Middle East news site Al Bawaba, the “Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have well-defined strategies to develop themselves as preferred travel destinations.”

“They are making significant investments into the development of tourism and hospitality infrastructure, including airport expansions to increase the handling capacity of anticipated visitor inflow” Ahmed stated.

New tourist initiatives in Dubai include, an indoor amusement park – IMG Worlds of Adventure, a theme park – Dubai Parks and Resorts, and an architectural landmark – Dubai Frame.

Hospitality businesses, such as food and beverage, linked to tourism are also reporting an increase in trade, and are beginning to offer better value for money.

Visit Dubai, Dubai’s tourism site, has defined the vision for Dubai 2020 stating that “Tourism is a central pillar of Dubai’s economic growth and diversification.”

“The Tourism Vision for 2020 will further leverage the sector by broadening Dubai’s offering across events, attractions, infrastructure, services, and packages.

“Part of this strategy involves adapting a marketing approach to showcase Dubai to a wider audience and increasing awareness and conversion of flight and hotel bookings.”

Last month Dubai cut municipality fees at restaurants and hotels, and the UAE capital city, Abu Dhabi reduced tourism fees in a bid to encourage tourists and invest in tourism.

Dubai also introduced transit visas for tourists last month, enabling holidaymakers to stay for two days for free when travelling through the airport.

Travel and tourism are one of Abu Dhabi’s fastest growing industries with new attractions such as, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Hudayriat Island and Warner Bros World. These endeavours have enabled a marked increase in tourists this year.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are making good progress in attracting more people to explore our emirate, as we make sure awareness of our touristic and cultural proposition is communicated effectively and efficiently to our global markets.

“We are pleased to be so far on track to beat 2017’s numbers, but we are well aware that challenges are ever present, as we bid to boost the Abu Dhabi economy and support our drive for economic diversification.”

 

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