The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to witness a huge increase in its potential tourists, by three million, due to the Expo 2020 happening in Dubai.
Researchers claim that India, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, United Kingdom, and Pakistan are all amongst countries which are expected to bring about this tourism boost from October.
According to reliable data, the Indian visitors travelling to the UAE are expected to increase by 770,000 from 2020 to 2021. This information was released ahead of Arabian Travel Market which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre back in April.
Other increase in visitors from various countries are as following:
- Saudi Arabia – 240,000
- Philippines and United Kingdom – 150,000
- Pakistan – 140,000
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), said:
Not only will Expo 2020 increase international arrivals to the UAE and showcase the country as a major global tourism hub – it has also provided the country with the opportunity to expand its world-class hospitality offerings; upgrade its airports and transport infrastructure; and develop an expansive array or new retail, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as diversifying its key source markets by reaching out to new and emerging markets.
She further added that although Middle East and Africa remain as a top source market for the UAE but a paradigm shift can be witnessed with Asia Pacific market also set to boom. The Asia Pacific market is aiming to replace and become the largest source of arrivals in the UAE in the near future.
“The introduction of a new multi-entry five-year tourist visa will not only drive more frequent travel to the country and longer stays but it will also allow for a whole host of new airline routes, making the country more accessible to a host of first time tourists from emerging markets – providing a boost to overall tourist spend and further stimulating the UAE’s GDP impact,” Curtis said.
The data reveals that Dubai has more than 120,000 hotel rooms and the region is hoping to expand and reach the 160,000 figure by the end of October in anticipation of the Expo 2020.
Dubai has reported an occupancy rate of 73 percent, which remains one of the highest in the entire world. However, Dubai Tourism reported decline in revenue per room; dropping from AED337 in 2018 to AED295 in 2019. This has also given birth to a lot of competition within the region.
Curtis lastly admitted that the Expo 2020 will bring a lot of tourists. He lastly added:
As we look ahead to the next 12 months, the outlook for the hospitality sector in the UAE is positive, with demand in the market strong – backed by an increasing number of arrivals from key and emerging markets as a result of Expo 2020 which is now a mere few months away and the imminent introduction of a new tourist visa.
