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UAE..focused on becoming world's leading L&E destination

UAE visitor numbers to hit 45m by 2021

ABU DHABI, June 30, 2015

The UAE is likely to see visitor numbers increase to 45 million by 2021 as the country moves towards becoming a world-class leisure and entertainment (L&E) destination, said a report.

International tourists would account for 30 million while residents and friends and relatives of residents total a further 15 million, said a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) - a multinational professional services network.

In an ambitious plan to rise above current L&E market leader Orlando (US), the country has recognised the need for continued investment on the quality of attractions as well as appeal to a diverse visitor base from across the world.

As per the country's plan, UAE is adding a further five full-scale theme parks in the next three years.

Theme parks will need to deal with the diverse cultures of visitors, in addition to overcoming climate challenges, and providing the right destination management institutions to ensure an effortless experience for visitors.

Furthermore, PwC’s report highlights the region’s advantages over Orlando in terms of scale, transport links, and food and beverage facilities as well as the country’s central global location – within eight hours of 6 billion people.

Dubai International Airport surpassed Heathrow in 2014 to become the world’s busiest airport, with 70 million international passengers moving through its facility per year. In comparison Orlando airport sees 36 million passengers annually, with many visitors driving from nearby states.

Moreover, the UAE’s supply of hotel rooms is set to double by 2020, from approximately 100,000 rooms in 2014. In contrast, Orlando’s hotel room supply was roughly 120,000 in 2014.

In addition, the UAE’s foodservice sector is worth about 5 billion, in comparison to 5.6 billion in Orlando. The UAE plans to increase to its foodservice sector worth to 7.5 billion in 2018. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: UAE | tourism | entertainment | Leisure |

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