Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Dubai welcomed nearly 4 million international overnight visitors between January and March 2022, up from 1.27 million visitors for the corresponding period last year, representing a massive 214 per cent YoY visitation growth.

“This places the city firmly on track for a momentous year while reaffirming Dubai’s position as the first choice destination for global travellers. Dubai also ranked No.1 globally in hotel occupancy in the first quarter of 2022, with 82%,” says Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana.

Ashor added that the recently-concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM) exhibition, which featured around 1500 exhibitors this year, is an ideal platform for the hospitality sector in Dubai.

He noted that the mega event is a launchpad for travel and tourism sector and local and global investors.

Ashor echoed that he met key partners during the event and shared valuable information and a lot of new packages and competitive rates with them in order to grab the attention of the clients and groups to visit the city and his property.

Ashor echoed that Al Bandar Rotana is also interested to tap the Latin American market due to huge potential, adding that considering the UAE government’s safety procedures in place he is expecting a very successful time ahead.

 “According to the latest data released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at the recently Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the first quarter international visitation reflected the best Q1 performance since the global pandemic, creating a clear pathway for the city to progress towards its coveted goal of becoming the world’s most visited destination.”

“March 2022 was a particularly exceptional month for post-pandemic tourism arrivals, as the city welcomed 1.78 million international visitors, a 11 per cent increase over pre-pandemic visitation.”