Dubai sets new tourism record with 17.15 million international visitors

Dubai: Dubai had its best tourism year in 2023, attracting a whopping 17.15 million international visitors, as per data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This marks a significant 19.4% increase from the 14.36 million tourists in 2022 and surpasses the previous record of 16.73 million visitors in 2019.

This surge aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and leisure. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, lauded this achievement, crediting Sheikh Mohammed’s foresight and commitment to enhancing tourism through strategic partnerships and innovation.

Dubai’s success in attracting diverse tourists can be attributed to its continuous innovation in offering unique travel experiences. With various indicators surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Dubai remains a vibrant hotspot in the global tourism landscape.

Dubai’s excellence in tourism was recognized by Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, where it clinched the top spot for the third consecutive year. This accolade underscores Dubai’s diverse offerings, supported by top-notch infrastructure and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The tourism sector’s performance mirrors Dubai’s economic growth, with a 3.3% GDP increase in the first nine months of 2023. Notably, accommodation and food services witnessed an 11.1% growth, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global tourism leader.

Dubai’s tourism outperformance extends beyond global trends, as evidenced by UN World Tourism Organisation data, with the Middle East leading global recovery. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DET, attributed this remarkable rebound to Sheikh Mohammed’s vision and a decade-long strategy emphasizing resilience and adaptability.

Maintaining momentum across key markets, Dubai remains a top choice for tourists from traditional and emerging regions. GCC and MENA regions contributed significantly, followed by Western Europe, South Asia, and CIS/Eastern Europe.

Dubai’s hospitality sector exceeded pre-pandemic levels in occupancy, room nights, and revenue. With a diverse culinary scene, Dubai earned accolades in the MICHELIN Guide and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List.

Embracing sustainability, Dubai launched initiatives like the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp and Dubai Reef, emphasizing its commitment to eco-friendly practices. The city’s recognition as a global liveability hub and its strategic partnerships with entities like Real Madrid Club de Fútbol underscore its position as a preferred destination for living, working, and leisure.

With plans for beach expansions and urban development, Dubai aims to sustain its tourism growth trajectory, positioning itself as a premier global destination for years to come.

Also read: Dubai, a leading medical tourism hub, receives 674,000 medical tourists from across the world in 2022

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