Dubai welcomes 16.79 million visitors in 2024 with 9% increase – ET TravelWorld

Dubai’s tourism sector has experienced a significant boost in 2024, with the city welcoming 16.79 million overnight visitors between January and November. This represents a 9 per cent increase from the 15.37 million tourists in the same period of 2023.

November alone saw 1.83 million visitors, contributing to a steady influx throughout the year.
The data released in a report by the tourism board highlights Dubai’s sustained appeal as a global tourism hub and underscores the city’s consistent growth trajectory in the travel sector.

Western Europe remained the leading source of visitors, accounting for 20 per cent of the total, with 3.3 million tourists. South Asia followed closely with 17 per cent of the market share, or 2.86 million tourists, while Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contributed 15 per cent.

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe brought in 14 per cent, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions sent 12 per cent of the total visitors. Additionally, North East and South East Asia accounted for 10 per cent of the visitor count, with 1.62 million individuals. The Americas, Africa, and Australia represented smaller shares of 7 per cent, 5 per cent, and 2 per cent, respectively.

The rising number of international tourists has been mirrored by the growth in Dubai’s hospitality sector. By November 2024, the city’s hotel inventory had expanded to 153,390 rooms, spread across 828 establishments, compared to 149,685 rooms in 820 properties the previous year.

This expansion was accompanied by a 3 per cent increase in hotel bookings, which reached 39.19 million during the first eleven months of 2024, up from 38.01 million in the same period of 2023. The average length of stay was 3.6 nights, indicating a steady demand for longer visits.

The hotel sector remains a key contributor to Dubai’s tourism success. The total number of 5-star hotel rooms reached 53,977, accounting for 35 per cent of the city’s hotel capacity, while 4-star properties offered 43,345 rooms. The mid-range sector, consisting of 1 to 3-star hotels, provided 29,701 rooms. Additionally, luxury and mid-range hotel apartments combined for 26,367 rooms across 188 establishments.

The financial performance of the hospitality industry also saw positive growth. The average daily rate (ADR) for hotel rooms increased by 2 per cent, reaching AED 520, up from AED 510 in 2023. Moreover, the revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose by 3 per cent, reaching AED 405 compared to AED 394 in the previous year.

Dubai’s tourism growth can be attributed to its role as a major global travel hub, with diverse offerings for international visitors. The consistent rise in visitor numbers is seen as a testament to the city’s ability to adapt and cater to the evolving demands of global travellers, especially as the tourism landscape continues to evolve. The data serves as an encouraging indicator of Dubai’s continued success in the international tourism market.