The United Arab Emirates' tourism sector has reported strong growth in the first half of 2024, with hotel establishment revenues exceeding AED 24.6 billion, a 7% increase from the same period in 2023. The number of hotel guests rose by 10.5% to approximately 15.3 million, according to data from the UAE Ministry of Economy.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted these results as evidence of the effectiveness of the country's tourism strategies. The achievements are pivotal for the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to boost the sector's contribution to the national GDP to 450 billion dirhams and attract 40 million visitors to hotel establishments by 2031.
The UAE's hotel sector achieved a 79.5% occupancy rate in the first half of 2024, ranking among the highest globally and marking a 3.7% increase from 2023. This growth supports the We the UAE 2031 vision, positioning the country as a top global destination.
Aviation and travel sectors also flourished, with UAE airports witnessing a 14.2% increase in passenger traffic, totaling over 71.75 million passengers. The UAE's investment in aviation infrastructure and international cooperation agreements has enhanced its status as a leading travel hub, with airport capacity now exceeding 160 million passengers.
The hotel sector's expansion is notable, with the total number of rooms reaching 213,741 by mid-2024, a 3% increase from 2023. Hotel nights across the seven emirates grew by 10% to over 53 million nights.
These developments have significant implications for the UAE's economy and global position, contributing to GDP growth, creating jobs, and stimulating related industries. The UAE's ongoing investments in tourism and aviation infrastructure, along with its global partnerships, are set to further enhance its appeal as a premier international travel destination, potentially influencing global tourism trends.
