According to the latest data released by the Department Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), international tourism inflow in the first quarter is the largest since the start of the pandemic. March 2022 was a particularly exceptional month for post-pandemic tourists as the city welcomed 1.78 million international visitors, an 11% increase from pre-pandemic (1.61 million visitors in March 2019) overnight).
Hotels
In the first three months of 2022, hotels reached an average occupancy rate of 82%, almost in line with 84% in the same period in 2019. In terms of hotel occupancy in the first quarter of 2022, Dubai ranked first in the world, ahead of other international destinations including London (56.0%), New York (55.3%) and Paris (51.2%), according to the analyst firm hotel management STR.
Also, the average daily cost (649 AED), length of stay of guests (4.3 nights) and the total number of nights booked by tourists in hotel rooms (10.22 million) exceeded pre-pandemic levels. In the first quarter of 2019, the average daily rate was AED 498, while the length of stay was 3.5 nights and hotel bookings were 8.63 million nights. Domestic and international investments in this sector have helped to increase the volume of hotel offers: the number of hotel establishments increased by 8%, and the number of rooms — by 10% compared to the same period in 2021. Guests and residents of Dubai currently have 769 hotel establishments and 140,192 rooms to choose from, compared to 716 hotel establishments that welcomed guests in 117,434 rooms in the first quarter of 2019.
Events
Dubai's reputation as a global gastronomy hub was reinforced by the launch of the Dubai Michelin Guide in June and the launch of renowned restaurant brand Gault & Millau. In addition, 16 restaurants in Dubai were featured in the first edition of the Top 50 Restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa. in February 2022. In total, there are more than 12,000 restaurants and cafes in Dubai.
Also, from 2 to 15 May, the city hosted the annual Dubai Gastronomy Festival. Traditionally, the program includes Dubai Restaurant Week, Gourmet Experiences, as well as many entertainment and special offers for guests.
Initiatives
In February 2022, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, launched Dubai Can, a pioneering sustainability initiative designed to encourage people to make simple lifestyle changes to inspire to massive action, such as reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles.
Growth Outlook
New policy, legislative and regulatory opportunities, including the recent announcement of the Gold Visa, as well as extending the validity of the tourist visa from 30 to 60 days, starting in September, are intended to increase the number of visitors to the emirate, as well as support those who are considering moving to Dubai. This, in addition to visas for investors and entrepreneurs, as well as programs “Retirement in Dubai” and “Virtual Work”, gives more opportunities for talented people to come and stay here, and also highlights the position of Dubai as a global destination for business, investment and tourism.