Why Dubai: Hotel occupancy up for 2008

Dubai has reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading destinations by announcing dramatic increases in hotel occupancy.

Defying the global downturn, the emirate has witnessed an upsurge in international visitors – in the first quarter of 2008 there were 1,891,253 visitors to the emirate – an increase of almost 7%.

Europe remains the largest source market for visitors – some 593,538 checked into hotels and apartments in this period, and of these, the United Kingdom and Ireland continue to dominate as the largest sector, witnessing an 11.3% increase in hotel occupancy to 224,457 people.

With so much to offer business and leisure visitors, from record-breaking attractions to unrivalled experiences and world-class hospitality – it is little wonder that Dubai has seen such dramatic growth. Demand for rooms remains high, with the average occupancy rate staying at a strong 90.2% in the first quarter of 2008; yielding a year-on-year increase in revenue of 19.5%.

And with more exciting projects coming online with each passing month, including new hotel and apartment developments, things show no sign of slowing down.

This year alone, twenty-two new properties will open in Dubai, including Atlantis and the arrival of the QE2, which represents 9% growth within the industry; these will bring a further 10,000 rooms with an additional 93,867 hotel rooms and apartments planned by 2016.

Accessibility is a key component to Dubai’s success: located at the crossroads between East and West, it is ideally positioned to attract visitors from around the globe. Furthermore, infrastructural improvements mean that it is easier to get to than ever.

Dubai International Airport is currently undergoing expansion and work has begun on Al Maktoum International Airport which is set to be the largest in the world. Internally, improvements to roads and the creation of new bridges and an expansive metro system will further enhance Dubai’s offering.

Commenting on Dubai’s growth, Ian Scott, Director of the UK and Ireland office for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented that “Dubai’s Strategic Plan 2015 reflects a diversification of the economy which is fuelling a tremendous growth in the tourism industry.

"The development of world-class facilities across the leisure and business arena continues to support Dubai’s rapid growth in accommodation, enabling the emirate to retain its position as a premium destination, well on track to welcoming 15 million visitors by 2015.”