Dubai, renowned for its opulence and grandeur, has achieved a resounding success in the realm of tourism. The city’s swift recovery from the challenges posed by the pandemic is evident in the unprecedented achievements recorded in the first half of 2023. According to the latest data released by Dubai’s Department of Economic and Tourism (Det), the emirate welcomed an astounding 8.55 million international visitors from January to June, surpassing the 8.36 million tourists of the same period in 2019. Among these, a notable 130,000 Italians explored Dubai, marking a remarkable 9% increase compared to 2022.
Dubai’s International Markets
In the initial half of 2023, Western Europe has substantially contributed to the surge in tourist arrivals, constituting 20% of the total international visitors. Italy’s contribution to this achievement stands at 130,000 visitors, exhibiting a commendable 9% growth compared to the first half of 2022. These positive figures firmly position Italy among the Top 20 countries that have significantly bolstered international arrivals to Dubai.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and MENA regions collectively accounted for 28% of the regional share, underlining Dubai’s appeal as a secure and cherished destination, especially among visitors from neighboring markets. Southern Asia contributed 17% of the total visits, followed by Russia, the CIS, and Eastern Europe at 14%.
Northern Asia and Southeast Asia together contributed 8%, while the Americas, Africa, and Australasia represented 7%, 4%, and 2% of the total volume, respectively.
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, stated, “The remarkable increase in international visitors recorded by Dubai in the first half of 2023 once again highlights the city’s pivotal role not only in the global tourism sector but also in the broader global economic landscape. This achievement has been made possible through the foresight of Dubai’s leadership, whose vision and astute policies have fortified its resilience in the face of global challenges, enabling it to rebound faster than other markets. The growth in international visits strengthens Dubai’s ascent as a significant global tourist destination while also reaffirming its status as a hub for trade, investments, and enterprises.”
The Hospitality Sector
Dubai’s hospitality sector paints a compelling picture. The average hotel occupancy rate stands at an impressive 78%, surpassing global standards by 2.2 percentage points compared to the same period in 2019. This remarkable performance is particularly noteworthy, considering a 13% increase in hotel establishments and a 26% surge in room availability compared to 2019. A continuous influx of national and international investments in the sector has further expanded Dubai’s hotel offerings. By the end of the first half of 2023, visitors can choose from a total of 810 hotel establishments offering 148,689 rooms, compared to 714 hotels with 118,345 rooms during the same period in 2019.
The robust performance of the hospitality sector is further highlighted by the extended average guest stay, now standing at 3.9 nights (compared to 3.5 nights in the first half of 2019), illustrating the city’s allure for long-stay visitors. Dubai’s magnetic charm continues to captivate travelers, making it a destination of choice for those seeking both luxury and leisure.
