Dubai’s leisure and tourism market enjoys record growth
If Dubai’s enduring appeal was ever in doubt after their gargantuan boom period turned dust during the global economic crisis, such notions can now be laid to rest.
Dubai is not only back on top but outperforming other leading international markets in occupancy levels and visitation growth.
In 2009, the destination enjoyed an 8.4 percent increase in occupancy levels, averaging 77.4 percent throughout the year. Additionally, Dubai International Airport enjoyed a 13.9 percent increase in visitor arrivals over the same 12 month period.
Dubai’s resilience as a major business tourism player was further strengthened at IMEX 2010 in Frankfurt, Germany when Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced that the Dubai World Trade Centre received 1.24 million exhibition and conference visitors in 2009, a 12 per cent increase over 2008.
“The solid representation of Dubai’s tourism sector during the exhibition underlines the importance of Germany’s MICE market for Dubai,” said Hamad Bin Mohammed Bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business Tourism.
This year IMEX 2010 welcomed 3,500 exhibitors from 150 countries and M.I.C.E. representatives and buyers from more than 3,800 global companies.
IMEX 2010 also marked DTCM’s eighth consecutive involvement in the annual event, with 46 representatives from Dubai’s tourism sector including Emirates Airlines, the Dubai World Trade Centre and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
“Through DTCM’s participation and the cooperation of its partners as well as the Dubai Convention Bureau we were able to provide comprehensive information on the emirate’s MICE sector and new projects related to this field,” Mr. Bin Mejren added.
Some of the new projects in 2010 have included the opening of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa and the opening of the first luxurious Armani hotel and resort. The construction of Dubai’s second airport is also well underway, which upon completion will be the largest in the world.
Hosting 80 appointments throughout the trade show, the DTCM confirmed that some engagements converted into actual business.
In 2014, Dubai will play host to a regional congress, worth millions in tourism revenue.
Jill Walsh – Melbourne
