While providing all the factors supporting the «sector» and considering it one of the most important tributaries of the economy

Experts: Dubai leads the leadership of «travel and tourism» in the region

• Arabian Travel Market (ATM) participants have confirmed that Dubai excels in tourism competition. Cinematographer: Ashok Verma

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Experts and officials in the field of tourism and hospitality said that Dubai leads the leadership of the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East, despite increasing competition in the sector in the region.

They explained to Emirates Today, on the sidelines of their participation in the Arabian Travel Market, which concludes its activities in Dubai today, that Dubai's retention of this position for years is a reflection of the efforts made by the government to provide the necessary integrated elements, explaining that the emirate has worked to provide all the factors that enhance the travel sector, from infrastructure that does not include tourist facilities, airlines, airports, hotels, roads and transportation only, but extended to laws and procedures that facilitate residence, ownership and investment.

They stressed that Dubai has been proactive in paying attention to tourism as one of the most important tributaries of the economy, noting that the measures taken by the UAE to promote this sector have given Dubai the precedence and ability to lead tourism and travel in the region and the world.

Unprecedented prestige

Ahmed Adel Mansour, International Director at Minor Hotels, said that the UAE and Dubai are leading the tourism and hotel sector in the Middle East.

He added that despite the increasing competitiveness of the tourism and hotel sector in some countries and cities of the region, Dubai remains in an unprecedented position, due to its pioneering experience, pointing to the capabilities of the tourism and hotels sector in the country, its development and its reliance on innovation and development always.

He pointed out that Dubai has been proactive in paying attention to tourism as one of the most important tributaries of the economy, as it worked to create a friendly environment for travel and tourism, pointing to the development of economic and social legislation and laws in the country, as well as the systems and regulations governing work, establishing companies and residency, which gave the state precedence and ability to lead this field in the region and the world.

Mansour explained that the secret to the development of the tourism sector in the UAE in general is thinking outside the box, government initiatives and the remarkable integration of all the elements necessary for the development of the hospitality, hotel and travel sector.

He added that one of the most prominent of these initiatives is that the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai has continued to be organized for years with the same momentum and success, as it is an international exhibition and event like no other.

Mansour pointed to the UAE's success in achieving unprecedented tourist flows during the past three years, which were punctuated by the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, and its successful organization of Expo 2020 Dubai despite the pandemic.

Great potential

For his part, Hafid Al-Murabiti, Director of Business Development for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Ascott International Hotels, said that Dubai undoubtedly excels in tourism competition, and is the first name for tourism in the Middle East, due to its great potential, stressing Dubai's ability to continue in the same position.

He added that the government facilities currently available, in terms of the speed of establishing tourist facilities, granting licenses, easy government procedures and flexibility of licenses, distinguish the UAE from other competing countries, pointing to the events sector that always makes Dubai a destination for travelers in all tourist seasons, saying that «Dubai makes events». He stressed that Dubai's experience has proven the importance of the tourism sector as a tributary to the economy, and that Dubai has always ranked first in attracting foreign direct investment in the tourism sector, which reflects the great confidence that Dubai's economy, specifically the tourism sector, enjoys by foreign investors.

He pointed out that Dubai is strategically located, making it a hub for trade, travel and tourism in the region, and it is also characterized by advanced infrastructure that includes Dubai International Airport, which is one of the largest airports in the world, and an integrated transport system that makes it easier for tourists to move between tourist attractions, pointing to the cultural diversity that makes tourists feel comfortable and safe.

Basic tributary

In turn, Senior Vice President at DAMAC, Nile McLoughlin, said that the tourism sector in Dubai is a key tributary to economic growth in the emirate, and a major driver of it, explaining that the volume of spending by international tourists in Dubai amounted to about $ 29.4 billion last year, and Dubai recorded the highest hotel occupancy rate in 15 years, by the end of Expo 2020 Dubai, reaching 96%, with 150,2022 rooms occupied by the end of <>.

He added that these figures once again confirm the strength and attractiveness of Dubai's tourism sector, and also confirm the importance of this sector as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.

He pointed out that Dubai's focus on developing its infrastructure and tourism services has strengthened its position as a world-class destination that continues to attract visitors and investors from all over the world.

He pointed out that Dubai's commitment to innovation and sustainability, coupled with its strategic location and diverse features, makes it a key destination for tourists, and the first choice for investors seeking to benefit from its dynamic tourism sector.

Favorite Destination

Noor Hashem, an official at The Hub, a social media platform for the tourism sector, said that the UAE is a preferred destination for social influencers specialized in the field of tourism and travel, noting that it always attracts influencers who in turn work to attract tourism, by spreading positive experiences for them in restaurants, hotels and tourist facilities.

She added that the readiness of the country's infrastructure, the safety that tourists see in it, as well as the transfer of their experiences to others through social media, all have a direct impact on attracting tourism and promoting events.