The tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates achieved an exceptional performance in the first half of 2022, as the sector's revenues exceeded 19 billion dirhams (equivalent to $5.17 billion), while the number of hotel guests exceeded 12 million.
The large revenues achieved by the tourism sector in the first half reflect the qualitative shift in results and indicators that confirmed the recovery from the (Covid-19) pandemic, and the entry into a new phase of growth and prosperity.
The tourism sector also contributed to the UAE’s continued leadership during 2022, to lead the global tourism scene, and succeeded in maintaining its regional and global leadership, as a distinct destination and a preferred place to visit, stay and work, according to Al Bayan newspaper.
The UAE celebrates the World Tourism Day, which was approved by the United Nations on September 27 of each year, and the tourism sector in the country has provided an integrated and inspiring model in dealing with the (Covid-19) virus, and it has become one of the fastest globally in recovering from the crisis, and overcoming its repercussions.
The numbers and results recorded at the federal and local levels prove the success of the plans and strategies adopted by the UAE to develop its tourism sector, which are based on adopting future trends and focusing on innovation and digital transformation in this sector, to increase revenues and growth, and enhance opportunities for small and medium-sized companies.
In Abu Dhabi, the data of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi showed that the emirate’s hotels received 1.84 million hotel guests in the first half of this year, a growth of 22% compared to the same period last year, and occupancy rates rose to 70%, an increase of 6%, compared to the same period in 2017. In 2021, the average hotel stay for guests was about 3.2 nights per guest.
According to the data, hotel revenues increased to 2.4 billion dirhams in the first half of this year, an increase of 30%, compared to the same period last year 2021.
In Dubai, the data of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai showed that the emirate attracted about 7.12 million international visitors, between January and June 2022, compared to 2.52 million international visitors, which the city received in the same period last year, an increase of more than 183%, bringing the number of international visitors close to Pre-pandemic levels of 8.36 million visitors during the first six months of 2019.
The average hotel occupancy rate reached 74% during the first half of this year 2022, an increase of 12% over the same period last year, which was recorded at 62%, and a slight decline from the 76% recorded in the first half of 2019, before the global pandemic.
The tourism sector in the UAE received a great moral and material boost to move forward with more achievements, after the UAE recently allowed foreigners of all nationalities to apply for a multi-entry tourist visa, valid for five years from the date of issuance. , without requiring a guarantor or host within the country, provided that he stays in the country for a period not exceeding 90 days in one year.
The UAE continues to expand the opening of tourist facilities and destinations, as well as promoting business tourism, conferences and medical tourism, in addition to hosting international events and events, which enhances the opportunities for the steady development and growth of the tourism sector.
