The Emirates Tourism Council held its first meeting for the year 2022, headed by the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises – Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi. The council reviewed the results of the performance of the tourism sector and hotel facilities in the country during 2021 and the growth rates that were achieved in many tourism indicators. The council was also briefed on plans to promote national tourism in foreign markets during the next stage. As well as concerted efforts to develop the national tourism data system in accordance with international best practices.
Al Falasi explained that the tourism sector in the UAE continues to achieve outstanding positive results in light of the vision and directives of the wise leadership and the concerted national efforts to develop the country’s tourism environment to be among the best tourist destinations in the world, and to provide pioneering and integrated tourism products and services that enhance the UAE’s position as a preferred and sustainable tourist destination for tourists. Whether from within the country, or for international tourists from around the world.
The sector’s results for the year 2021 showed that hotel establishments in the country attracted 19 million hotel guests, with a growth of more than 29% compared to the number of guests in 2020, and domestic tourism accounted for 58% of the total number of guests, compared to 42% for guests from outside the country. In 2021, hotel establishments achieved revenues of 28 billion dirhams, achieving a growth of up to 70% compared to 2020.
In addition, more than 75 million hotel nights were booked last year, an increase of 42% compared to 2020, while the hotel occupancy rate reached 67%, knowing that this percentage represents one of the highest rates achieved in the leading tourist destinations in the world. The number of hotel establishments in the country increased during 2021 by 5% compared to its counterparts in 2020, to reach 1,144 establishments. During the same comparison period, an increase in the number of hotel rooms was achieved by 8%, to reach 194,000 rooms in all emirates of the country.
