The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said the total number of hotel establishment guests in the emirate went up from 1,918,471 in the year 1996 to 4,756,280 in 2002.
The DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, said: 'The number of hotel guests registered tremendous growth in the past seven years from all nationalities in general. However, some nationalities have registered as much as a 300 per cent growth.'
The number of visitors from the UK, a key source market for Dubai tourism industry, posted a phenomenal 306 per cent growth in seven year's period.
During 1996-2002, the UK visitors to the emirate jumped from 110,045 to 447,006. Similarly, France registered an increase of 286 per cent in Dubai hotel guests, from 16,284 in 1996 to 62,767.
Germany, another crucial market, witnessed a 257 per cent increase, from 47,962 in 1996 to 171,140 visitors in 2002.
A 173 per cent rise was recorded in guests from Italy, from 11,910 in 1996 to 32, 534 in 2002. Scandinavia recorded a 68 per cent increase during this period, from 22,880 to 38,326 visitors.
The number of visitors from the AGCC countries jumped up significantly during this period, posting a 164 per cent growth. The number of AGCC hotel guests increase from 400,394 in 1996 to 1.06 million in 2002.
Mr. bin Hareb said: The phenomenal growth achieved by the Dubai tourism industry, especially hotel establishments, reflects the constant efforts of the department to boost the image of Dubai in overseas markets and enhance awareness about the world-class facilities and attractions available to visitors.'
He said the year-on-year growth, even in times of global uncertainties and negative trends, speaks volumes about the success of the aggressive marketing and promotional agenda to enhance the international profile of Dubai.
He said the growth levels clearly suggest that Dubai's tourism growth has been on the right track and its steady steps will further enhance its share in the global tourism industry. Several ambitious projects like Dubailand, The Palm, and Dubai Festival City, are going to broaden the appeal of Dubai as a perfect year-round and safest destination for business and leisure.
