Tourist numbers in Dubai surge by 11% in Q1 as travel rebounds

Dubai’s tourism sector is booming once again, with a remarkable 11 per cent increase in tourist numbers in the first quarter of the year. The emirate welcomed 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March 2024, compared to 4.67 million during the same period last year.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, expressed optimism about Dubai’s tourism performance, stating that the emirate is on track for another exceptional year. This growth aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to solidify its position as a global city for business and leisure.

The increase in tourists can be attributed to the rebound in global travel demand post-pandemic, with more travelers from key markets like China returning to Dubai. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, highlighted the importance of targeting the right audience with the right products at the right time to drive tourism growth.

Dubai’s strategy to diversify its hotel offerings by encouraging the development of three-and-four-star accommodations has also paid off, attracting a wider range of travelers. The city’s hotels maintained an impressive 83 per cent occupancy rate in the first quarter, with a 4 per cent increase in revenue per available room.

Looking ahead, Dubai is preparing for future growth by announcing a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International, its second airport known as Dubai World Central (DWC). This expansion will help accommodate the projected increase in international tourist arrivals over the next decade, ensuring Dubai remains a top destination for travelers worldwide.