Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) officials said the number of tourists visiting Dubai increased 5% to 3.85 million in the first half of 2009. Business Monitor International (BMI) published a report last week projecting the number of tourists visiting the UAE were predicted to drop by 3% compared to 2008.
DTCM figures showed that during July the 64,102 GCC guests staying at three, four and five star hotels represented a 35% increase compared to the same period last year. DTCM Director General said the growth trends in different segments “helped Dubai maintain its solid standing on the world tourism map in one of the most challenging business environments in the world.” Dubai currently has 58,147 flats and hotel rooms, 17% more than the first half of last year.
