Dubai Tourism says it welcomed 2.85 million international overnight visitors in the first seven months of 2021

Boosted by demand for staycations in the domestic market and visitation from international markets that are open, hotels in Dubai enjoyed average occupancy levels of 61 percent from January to July 2021.

Dubai welcomed 2.85 million international overnight visitors in the first seven months of 2021, further accelerating momentum in a landmark year which includes Expo 2020 and the UAE Golden Jubilee.

The latest industry data was released by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) as it launched the third cinematic trailer of its global campaign, Dubai Presents.

Dubai’s international marketing outreach aims to build on the steady influx of visitors to Dubai since the city was reopened to tourists in July 2020.

Dubai was one of the first cities globally to reopen its markets and businesses, and continues to stay open, while ensuring strict compliance with globally benchmarked health and safety protocols.

The UAE has one of the world’s highest per capita vaccination rates, with close to 89 percent of residents having received at least one dose of the vaccine, and nearly 78 percent having received both doses to-date.

Boosted by demand for staycations in the domestic market and visitation from international markets that are open, hotels in Dubai enjoyed average occupancy levels of 61 percent from January to July.

By the end of July, Dubai’s hotel inventory stood at 718 establishments offering 129,318 rooms with RevPAR increasing to AED225 compared to AED194 for the same period in 2020. 

In the first seven months of 2021, the occupied room nights for hotels stood at 16.34 million compared to 10.74 million for the corresponding period in 2020.

According to data from hotel management analytics firm STR, for the first seven months of 2021, Dubai ranked second globally in terms of occupancy after Singapore and ahead of London and Paris.

It added that Dubai’s year to date RevPAR was highest among the four destinations, followed by Singapore, Paris and London.

Dubai said it has continued to invest in integrated marketing campaigns, highlighting that the city is open to travellers when they are ready to start holidaying again.

The latest campaign, Dubai Presents, features a series of blockbuster trailers helmed by Hollywood icons Jessica Alba and Zac Efron, and is designed to showcase the diversity of experiences, attractions and events that await visitors this year including Expo 2020, which starts on October 1 and celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of UAE’s National Day on December 2.

Dubai Presents builds on a series of global marketing campaigns developed by Dubai Tourism such as A Story Takes Flight, starring Hollywood celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Zoe Saldanha, the #BeMyGuest featuring Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, as well as many other campaigns led by prominent regional celebrities and influencers.

Issam Kazim (pictured below), CEO, Dubai Tourism, said: “Dubai’s ability to evolve and adapt has been critical in ensuring that the city retained its position at the forefront of the world’s leading travel destinations.

“As we continue to play a pivotal role in the global tourism recovery with the support of our stakeholders and partners, the positive growth that we have registered in the first seven months of this landmark year for Dubai is also testament to the effective citywide management of the pandemic that has enabled us to reassure travellers and ensure their safety at every touchpoint from arrival to departure, as we further enhance our position as one of the world’s safest destinations.

“As part of our strategy, we have consistently used innovative campaigns to further highlight the city’s multi-faceted touristic appeal,” Kazim added.

He also said that Expo 2020 Dubai, which will open on October 1, will be a big draw for international tourists, adding that “world has been waiting” for the event following its postponement last year due to the pandemic.

The latest Buddy Comedy trailer was unveiled at a special event at Vox Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates.

It features Efron on a journey of self-discovery as he explores the city on an itinerary designed and guided by his future self.

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