Dubai's popularity as an international tourist destination is fast growing as more than 70 per cent of foreign tourists said they were keen to stay longer in Dubai and explore more.

The desire to stay longer is over and above the one to two weeks' vacation they already booked in Dubai based on the latest Arabian Falcon Holidays survey participated by 1,212 respondents. which included only non-residents.

Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain were rated as their favourite attractions in the UAE, with Dubai’s shopping malls, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, The Palm, and Dubai restaurants as the next favourites.

Al Mohannad Sharafuddin, founder of Arabian Falcon Holidays (AFH), the largest independent timeshare player in the Middle East, said: “The strong vision of Dubai's leadership has led the emirate to outpace global growth in tourism. Increased investments toward attracting tourists to Dubai, focus on ensuring happiness for all, alongwith 100 per cent customer satisfaction through initiatives such as the launch of Smart Happiness Index, make Dubai a highly attractive destination that offers an unmatchable experience to international tourists.”

“Speedy and comfortable procedures, starting right at the time you enter the airports, a friendly and efficient customer service in addition to a large number of unique destinations offering attractions for all age groups and interests, make Dubai the place of choice for families and businesses alike,” Sharafuddin added.

The growth in tourism has been particularly remarkable after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, approved the Dubai Vision 2020 for the tourism sector. This lays a strategic roadmap with the goal of attracting 20 million tourists (doubling the number welcomed in 2012) and Dh300 billion (81.6 billion) in tourism revenues annually by 2020.

To achieve this, Dubai will focus on three key areas: positioning the emirate as a leading family, event and business destination.

The preferences of international tourists, as revealed by the AFH survey, showed that family destinations top the list of favourites.

Dubai Garden Glow, Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Mosque, Desert Safari, Burj Al Arab, Waterparks, Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village are also amongst the hot favourites for international tourists.

The AFH survey also brought out the emerging trend of preference for longer stays amongst tourists. Nearly 50 per cent of the tourists spent four to seven days in Dubai, while 23 per cent stayed up to two weeks and 8.5 per cent of international tourists stayed longer than two weeks in the emirate, according to the survey.

"With a clear vision and a strategic roadmap that focuses on various aspects to attract tourism, Dubai is setting exemplary standards in tourism. Through its numerous achievements Dubai has brought many dreams to reality, and at this pace of growth, we eagerly wait to see its further accomplishments by 2020," Sharafuddin concluded. - TradeArabia News Service