Print Preview : Dubai starts 2010 with increased hotel occupancy

Dubai starts 2010 with increased hotel occupancy
Dubai has reported an impressive increase in occupancy figures for the month of February, up almost 16 per cent year on year to more than 86 per cent, demonstrating an upsurge in tourism to the emirate as it starts to emerge from the international economic downturn. The news comes as Dubai International Airport also records a 22.6 per cent increase in passenger traffic for the month of February compared to the same month last year.

According to international benchmarking organisation STR Global, Dubai is leading the way as the best performer in the Middle East and Africa region and indeed internationally. With an occupancy increase of almost 16 per cent, Dubai is now outperforming many other global tourism destinations. The figures show an increase of 4.5 per cent for Europe, and a 0.8 per cent increase for the Americas, reaffirming Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most diverse and exciting destinations, appealing to a wide range of travellers.

These figures highlight the continued efforts being made by Dubai in driving visitors to the emirate. Investment in the product continues - the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa opened at the start of 2010 and a string of new hotels are set to open before the year is out, including the Armani Hotel, The Palazzo Versace, a second One&Only and the stunning Royal Amwaj on Palm Jumeirah. Individual hotels are responding to market conditions with exceptional ‘affordable luxury’ value, and Dubai Tourism is investing in marketing initiatives, with the recent announcement of a “Kids Go Free” promotion for this summer where children can fly, stay, eat and play for free.

The Government of Dubai has also confirmed that it will be supporting Dubai World’s debt restructuring by investing up to $9.5 billion (approx. £6.38 billion) into the company, reinforcing its commitment to the long-term vision of the emirate. This move will ensure that work will be able to recommence on many of Nakheel’s major development projects.

Ian Scott, director UK and Ireland for the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), commented on the recent news: “That occupancy has surged so significantly to an impressive 86 per cent for the month of February demonstrates renewed buoyancy in the emirate’s tourism sector. Dubai International Airport has been showing consistent growth for many months, but now we can say with confidence that more and more people are choosing to stay in Dubai itself rather than transit through. As with most destinations, the recent months of economic recession have been tough but the combined efforts of all those in Dubai’s tourism sector are clearly starting to show results”.