The growth rate of the UAE’s tourism sector during the first quarter (Q1) of this year exceeded the growth rates recorded not only in 2020 and 2021, but also during the same period in 2019, said a senior government official.

Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council, said the milestone underlines the country’s competitiveness at both regional and global levels.

According to tourism figures for Q1 2022, the country's hotel establishments attracted nearly 6 million visitors who spent 25 million hotel nights, reflecting a growth of 10% compared to the same period in 2019. The average duration of hotel guest stays reached 25% during the same period, up from 3 nights to 4 nights.

Moreover, the occupancy rate of hotel establishments in the country during this period achieved 80% growth, which is one of the highest globally. Hotel establishments also generated a total revenue of AED11 billion ($3 billion) with a 20% growth compared to the same period in 2019 and resumed operations at full capacity of approximately 200,000 hotel rooms.

Furthermore, Q1 2022 saw a resurgence and a strong comeback of inward tourism flows from foreign markets, as hotel establishments in various emirates hosted nearly 4 million international tourists. India, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Russia, and the US topped the list of international tourists.

Al Falasi explained that these indicators underscore the strength of the tourism product and the pioneering services and attractive tourism destinations that the UAE offers, as well as its sophisticated tourism infrastructure. They also reflect the growing confidence of visitors in the national tourism sector and the UAE’s reputation as a safe and favourable destination capable of providing a rich and distinguished tourism experience.

In addition, he noted the important role that the major events hosted by the UAE over the past months played in supporting the sector. These include Expo 2020 Dubai, which successfully attracted more than 24 million visitors over six months, and ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign in its second edition, which over one and a half months generated a total revenue of AED1.5 billion and attracted more than 1.3 million local tourists.

Furthermore, he commended the efforts of relevant authorities, various local tourism departments, and the strong partnership with the tourism private sector in the country, which was vital in achieving these positive results.

He also highlighted the importance of further integration of roles among tourism development entities in order to achieve the UAE’s vision in this regard and provide the best tourism services and products for domestic and international tourists. – TradeArabia News Service