In a bid to highlight Dubai's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility as a premier global destination, the tourism chief stated, 'If there is a place that people desire to visit, we want it to be Dubai.' 'We aim for Dubai to be a destination for all. Our focus is on accessibility — we are on the verge of becoming the first city in the Eastern Hemisphere to be autism-ready,' said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), on Monday during the inaugural day of the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai.
'There are numerous offerings from the city that people can relish, from cultural and heritage perspectives. Dubai hosts 250 days of celebrations and cultural events. Today, it is emerging as one of the must-visit destinations,' he noted during a discussion on 'The Future Growth of Tourism in Dubai: Harnessing Innovation, Sustainability, Accessibility, and Leadership.'
Dubai's tourism sector achieved new milestones this year as the emirate welcomed 9.31 million international overnight visitors during the first half of 2024, marking an 8.9% increase. The 2024 figures also showed an 11.4% rise compared to pre-pandemic H1 2019, as Dubai's tourism sector continues to experience robust growth even as reopening gains have largely been realized.
The sector has maintained its appeal, and tourists continue to flock to Dubai in larger numbers despite the prolonged period of restrictive monetary policy and elevated global price growth, which has constrained households' spending power. Kazim emphasized the importance of understanding the exact target audience to eliminate all obstacles and barriers. 'The smoother the journey, the more frequently people will visit; 25% of visitors to Dubai are repeat visitors,' he explained.
He also highlighted that Dubai's strategic 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 significantly benefits the emirate. Kazim added that Dubai caters to a broad spectrum of travelers, not just a specific category. 'Many companies, family offices, and communities are choosing Dubai. This should contribute to doubling Dubai's GDP over the next decade,' he said, emphasizing the importance of making visiting friends and relatives a significant component of Dubai's tourism strategy.
