Dubai has cemented its status as a global tourism powerhouse, welcoming a record 9.31 million international overnight visitors in the first half of 2024. This marks a 9% increase from the same period in 2023, underscoring the city’s continued appeal and resilience in the global travel market. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) attributes this growth to strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, positioning Dubai as a premier destination to visit, live, and work.

Unprecedented Global Recognition

Dubai’s remarkable performance in H1 2024 is bolstered by significant international recognition. In January, Dubai was named the No.1 global destination for the third consecutive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, a feat unmatched by any other city. Adding to its accolades, travel experts at Bounce identified Dubai as the most popular city on TikTok, with over 29.7 million posts, far surpassing London and Paris. This social media triumph highlights Dubai’s broad appeal to a diverse audience, particularly on platforms with over a billion monthly active users like TikTok.

Surge in Australasia Visitors

DET’s targeted marketing campaigns have paid off handsomely, particularly in Australasia. From January to June 2024, Dubai saw a 27% increase in visitors from this region, totalling 154,000, compared to 121,000 in the same period last year. This surge reflects Dubai’s strategic outreach and the growing interest from new markets.

Expanding Hospitality Sector

Dubai’s hospitality sector thrives, with several high-profile hotel openings in H1 2024. Notable additions include The Lana, Dorchester Collection’s first property in the Middle East; SIRO One Za’abeel, Dubai’s first fitness hotel; and Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences. The city’s hotel occupancy rate hit 78.7%, slightly up from 77.7% in the same period in 2023, with 21.35 million occupied room nights.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), remarked, “Dubai continues to elevate standards with innovative and distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences, and attractions. We are committed to leveraging partnerships to showcase Dubai as a must-visit destination, building on this positive growth throughout 2024.”

Culinary and Cruise Hub

Dubai’s culinary scene gained further acclaim with releasing the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, featuring 106 restaurants, including four with two MICHELIN stars and 15 with one star. Additionally, Trèsind Studio ranked No.13 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, reaffirming Dubai’s status as a global gastronomy capital.

The cruise sector also grew substantially, with 132 ship calls between Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour during the 2023/2024 winter season. Dubai joined the Cruise Arabia alliance significantly, promoting the Arabian Gulf as a premier cruise destination.

Vibrant Event Calendar

Dubai’s event calendar continues to draw international visitors, featuring significant events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Chinese New Year celebrations, Ramadan in Dubai, and Dubai Food Festival. The ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises further enhances the city’s appeal as a vibrant summer destination. Upcoming events such as Dubai Fashion Season Fall/Winter, Dubai Fitness Challenge, and Emirates Dubai 7s promise to keep the momentum going.

Business events also play a crucial role, with significant trade shows like Gulfood, Arabian Travel Market, and the 30th Dubai International Boat Show attracting thousands of industry professionals and exhibitors.

Commitment to Sustainability

In line with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability,’ Dubai has significantly promoted eco-friendly initiatives. The inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Report,’ released by DET in May, outlines the city’s progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp was awarded to 70 hotels, recognizing their adherence to sustainability standards.

The Dubai Can initiative, launched in February 2022, has notably reduced the use of single-use plastic water bottles by over 20.4 million 500ml bottles. A significant milestone in H1 2024 was the launch of Dubai Reef’s pilot reef modules, part of the world’s largest marine reef development project.

Looking Ahead

As Dubai continues to innovate and expand its tourism and hospitality offerings, the city is well-positioned for a record-breaking year. With a blend of strategic marketing, world-class infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainability, Dubai remains a top choice for travellers worldwide. For the latest performance and industry reports from DET, visit dubaidet.gov.ae.

 

 

 

Written by: Soo James

 

 

 

 

 

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