Dubai’s Tourism Has Spiked And It’s Probably Due To Some Visa Changes

It looks as though hoteliers are in for a great business year according to reports. 

During the first three months of the year, hotels across the emirate showed an increase by 2.7%, an occupancy level of 86.3%, compared to the same period last year. 

This could likely be thanks in part, to the UAE government’s decision to grant visas on arrival for Chinese and Russian visitors earlier this year. 

“إقامة دبي”: حوالي 309 آلاف صيني زاروا #دبي منذ نوفمبر2016https://t.co/GZ7KSwaTzF pic.twitter.com/k487kn0jyY

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 16, 2017

Interestingly, the increase in bookings is more significant in affordable properties than in high-end hotels

Three and four-star properties saw the best growth.

Hospitality research firm, STR released the figures

“The market faces several challenges over the next few years in maintaining a demand level that can offset some of this supply growth.” 

Philip Wooller, STR’s area director for the Middle East and Africa