April 21- Tourism revenues across UAE will increase by almost 18 per cent, from Dh27.5 billion in 2009 to Dh32.4 billion by 2014, according to the results of a yet-to-be published report by Euromonitor International, a global consumer market analyst.
The report also said that the overall number of tourist will increase by more than 19 per cent by 2014. Most of these tourists will be coming from Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and India. In this regard, the Saudi tourist spend in UAE will grow from Dh4.3 billion in 2009 to Dh5.4 billion by 2014 while that of UK will be Dh5.1 billion from Dh4.3 billion in 2009. The Indian spend will be Dh3.2 billion by 2014.
“Faced with a global economic crisis of epic proportions, the Middle East has suffered a slowdown in travel and tourism demand from key source markets. With continued investment in infrastructure, and strategic vision in place, the Middle East continues to offer growth opportunities. However, a greater commitment to diversification would be wise to ensure the region can meet its full potential,” said Caroline Bremner, Global Travel and Tourism Manager, Euromonitor International.
