The UAE’s tourism sector recorded a 62 percent occupancy rate in the first half of 2021, outperforming 10 other major global tourism destinations including China (54 percent), US (45 percent), Mexico (38 percent), the UK (37 percent), and Turkey (36 percent).
During the period, the country’s hotel and tourism sectors welcomed over 8.3 million visitors, recording a 15 percent increase to that of H1 2020. Guests spent nearly 35 million nights in UAE hotels, a 30 percent growth, while the average length of their stay grew to 4.1 nights, a 12.5 percent increase. This is accompanied by a 31 percent surge in hotel revenues, which now stands at $3.1 billion. Domestic tourism contributed 30 percent of the total number of guests to these hotels.
The figures highlight the national tourism sector’s strength and resilience, the expansion of the UAE’s tourism market and the range of its products, and the effectiveness of national campaigns such as the ‘Coolest Winter in the World’ campaign in emphasizing the country’s tourism assets.
Further, they shed light on the country’s seven emirates’ unique and diverse destinations, as well as the ongoing development and quality of its hospitality features and services. The latest achievement is said to be the outcome of a coordinated government effort to enhance domestic tourism in order to attract more domestic and international tourists.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi Chairman Emirates Tourism Council
“The positive results achieved by the tourism sector in the first half of this year reflect the soundness of the vision and directives of the wise leadership on the importance of the tourism sector as a major economic driver. These results are of great relevance in light of the tightening of travel restrictions in some major tourism markets around the world due to the impact of COVID-19.”
The UAE’s high vaccination rate, which is now at 80 percent, is one of the highest in the world, and this has helped to raise the level of safety and confidence in the tourism sector, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership position on the global tourism map, Dr. Al Falasi added.
Moreover, hosting the global event Expo 2020 Dubai in October, which will attract delegates from over 192 nations, will give a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector, leading to increased hotel sector growth indicators, hotel occupancy rates, and overall tourism activity.
