Dubai, UAE – Dubai’s tourism industry is booming, welcoming a staggering 15.37 million international visitors in just the first 11 months of 2023, a 20% surge compared to the same period in 2022. This remarkable comeback even surpasses pre-pandemic levels by 2.46%, eclipsing the 15 million tourists recorded in 2019.
European travelers led the charge, accounting for 19% of the total visitors, followed by South Asians (18%) and GCC nationals (16%). Notably, the Middle East and North Africa region saw a significant 12% increase, showcasing Dubai’s growing appeal as a regional hub.
Hotels are reaping the benefits of this renewed tourism fervor. The number of rooms available across 820 establishments reached over 149,680 by November 2023, a rise from the 145,000 rooms available in 794 establishments at the same point in 2022.
Occupancy rates are also soaring, with an average of 77% across all Dubai hotels in the first 11 months. This impressive figure surpasses both the 73% recorded in 2022 and the 75% achieved in 2019.
The numbers speak volumes: over 38 million room nights were booked in Dubai in 2023, compared to 34 million in 2022 and 29.1 million in 2019. This sustained growth underlines the city’s enduring allure as a global destination for leisure and business travelers alike.