Dubai's Tourism Sector Soars: Record 9.31 Million Visitors in First Half of 2024
Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024
9% increase compared to 8.55 million tourist arrivals in H1 2023
GCC and MENA markets contributed 26% of overall visitors
Western Europe accounted for 20% of visitors
Hotel sector maintained a high average occupancy of 78.7%
Average daily rate (ADR) rose to AED558, a 4% increase from 2023
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 6% to AED439
Total available hotel rooms reached 150,879 by end of June 2024
Dubai named No.1 global destination for third consecutive year by Tripadvisor
City on track for record tourism performance in 2024
Dubai's tourism sector has kicked off 2024 with a bang, welcoming a record-breaking 9.31 million international overnight visitors in the first half of the year. This impressive figure marks a 9% increase compared to the 8.55 million tourist arrivals during the same period in 2023, according to data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The strong performance puts Dubai on track for a record-breaking year in tourism, building on the success of 2023 when the city hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors. This growth aligns with the ambitious goals set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to further solidify Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized the importance of this growth, stating, "With its sustained growth, Dubai is setting the standard for cities worldwide, in line with the objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish Dubai as one of the world's top urban economies."
The city's diverse source markets have played a crucial role in this success. Proximity markets in the GCC and MENA regions combined contributed 26% of overall visitors. Western Europe accounted for 20% of visitors, while South Asia and the CIS/Eastern Europe regions each contributed significant numbers of tourists.
Dubai's hotel sector has also shown robust performance, with an average occupancy rate of 78.7% in the first half of 2024. The average daily rate (ADR) rose to AED558, a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 6% to AED439.
The city's tourism success is not just about numbers. Dubai was named the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards in January 2024. This recognition and other accolades reflect the city's commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors.
Dubai is set to maintain this momentum with ongoing initiatives and new attractions. The city's focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility, coupled with its world-class infrastructure and diverse offerings, positions it well for continued growth in the tourism sector.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DET, noted, "Looking ahead, we are committed to sustaining and building upon this trajectory, leveraging diverse source markets to enhance tourism's contribution to Dubai's GDP."