Dubai ‘encouraged by greet shoots of revival’ in tourism

Dubai is experiencing “green shoots” of revival in its tourism and hospitality industry, a government agency said yesterday.

Major players in the industry said there was a surge in interest on the part of international tourists after Dubai opened its doors to holiday-makers last month, the emirate’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said.

“We have been greatly encouraged by the market’s response in the current second phase of our recovery strategy, which was activated along with the gradual resumption of economic sectors, as well as the staggered and tentative restart of travel across the world,” said Helal Almarri, director general of Dubai Tourism.

The emirate allowed international visitors to return more than three months after the UAE’s airspace was closed as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Dubai, the Middle East’s tourism and financial hub, drew 16.73 million travellers last year to its beaches, luxury hotels and shopping malls.

Tourism is an important source of revenue for the emirate, contributing 11.5 per cent to its gross domestic product.

Dubai hospitality chain Jumeirah said its online bookings doubled in the week after the emirate opened its doors to tourists, compared with the previous week. Its properties registered an average daily increase of 109 per cent in booked room nights.

“We have received considerable interest from international markets, particularly Europe and Russia,” said Jose

Silva, chief executive of Jumeirah hotels.

Emirates airline plans to serve 70 destinations around the world this month, while flydubai is set to expand its network to 66 destinations over the summer.

“People are much more optimistic and well informed now. [They] are ready to go on holidays to destinations that are safe and have put in place strong health and safety protocols,” Mr Al Almarri said.

The emirate is currently among the top five destinations in terms of internet searches or tourist considerations, according to Dubai Tourism. It has also experienced a revival in domestic tourism demand since May, with hotels offering ‘staycation’ deals, the DTCM said.

“The domestic market has proven extremely important and we are seeing increased demand at Jumeirah properties, particularly [at] the weekends,” Mr Silva said.

With numbers in the initial reopening phase showing promise, Dubai intends to take advantage of all opportunities once the tourism sector has fully reopened.

“We expect to see significant progress and are looking forward to galvanising growth as confidence builds further in the months ahead,” Issam Kazim, head of DTCM, said.

Tourism is an important source of revenue for Dubai, contributing 11.5 per cent to its gross domestic product