At the Future Hospitality Summit, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) CEO, Issam Kazim, highlighted Dubai’s commitment to inclusivity, reported the Khaleej Times.
“We want Dubai to be a destination for everyone. We want to focus on accessibility — we are very close to becoming the first city in the Eastern Hemisphere to be autism-ready,” he said. “There are a lot of offers from the city that people can enjoy from culture and heritage sides. In Dubai, we have 250 days of celebrations and cultural events. Today, we are becoming one of the must-visit destinations.”
The article shares that the first half of 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge in Dubai’s tourism industry, with 9.31 million international overnight visitors, marking an 8.9% YoY increase. This impressive growth also represents an 11.4% rise from pre-pandemic levels in H1 2019. Dubai’s enduring appeal, strategic location, and commitment to delivering seamless travel experiences have contributed to this success.
According Kazim, understanding the target audience and removing barriers are crucial to sustaining this growth. “The more seamless journey people have, the more often they will visit,” Kazim emphasized. Dubai’s tourism strategy focuses on catering to a wide spectrum of travellers, from families and business travelers to repeat visitors. He notes that 25% of visitors to Dubai are repeat visitors, underscoring the emirate’s ability to attract loyal visitors.
Dubai’s prime location within a 4-hour flight radius of one-third of the world’s population and 8 hours of two-thirds of the world’s population provides a significant competitive advantage. This accessibility, combined with the emirate’s diverse offerings, positions Dubai as an attractive destination for various categories of travellers. From business and leisure to cultural and entertainment experiences, Dubai’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth.
Looking ahead, Kazim expressed optimism about Dubai’s potential to double its GDP over the next decade. The emirate’s tourism strategy will focus on expanding its appeal to visiting friends and relatives, as well as attracting companies, family offices, and communities.
