UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer: UAE ranked 6th in global tourism earnings 2023

The UAE has climbed from 13th to 6th place worldwide in terms of earnings from international tourism, according to the UN Tourism’s May 2024 World Tourism Barometer. They logged a whopping US$51.9 million in international tourism receipts.

The top spots for international tourism earnings in 2023 were dominated by the United States, leading with $176 billion, followed by Spain with $92 billion, and the United Kingdom with $74 billion. France and Italy followed suit, with $69 billion and $56 billion respectively, with the UAE securing the sixth spot.

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Other destinations that raked in significant earnings from international tourism in 2023 included Türkiye, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Macao (China), India, and Mexico, completing the top 15 list of tourism earners.

Several destinations experienced upward movements in their rankings among the top earners. The UK surged to the 3rd position from 5th pre-pandemic, Türkiye climbed from 12th to 7th, while Canada jumped from 15th to 9th. Saudi Arabia made a remarkable leap from 27th to 12th, and Mexico moved from 17th to 15th.

Croatia, Morocco, and the Dominican Republic also made notable advancements in the Top 50 ranking by receipts in 2023. Croatia went from 32nd to 25th, Morocco from 41st to 31st, and the Dominican Republic from 43rd to 34th. Additionally, Qatar ascended from 51st to 37th place, and Colombia moved from 50th to 44th.

The increase in international tourism receipts reflects the UAE’s growing appeal as a tourist destination, driven by its diverse attractions, modern infrastructure, and strategic location. Investments in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, resorts, and entertainment facilities, have also contributed to the country’s rise in tourism earnings. Moreover, the UAE’s efforts to promote tourism through marketing campaigns, visa facilitation, and cultural initiatives have enhanced its visibility and attractiveness to international travelers.

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