Dubai Hotels Revenues Reach AED11 Billion Mark in 2006

The total revenues of Dubai hotels and hotel apartments crossed the AED 11 billion mark in 2006. With hotel occupancy levels in January of 85%, Dubai hotels generated revenues of US$238.9 million.

The stellar performance of the Dubai hospitality industry was revealed by the department at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB-2007) in Berlin in which 97 government and private sector organizations from the emirate participated under the DTCM umbrella from March 7 to 11.

The DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, said, “The excellent performance by the hospitality industry in the emirate during 2006 is a reflection of our marketing and promotional initiatives, especially in the overseas markets, to position Dubai as the world's leading tourism hub. It is also the fruit of an inspirational public-private sector partnership and government’s unwavering determination to be a model destination.”

According to statistics, an all-time record 6.5 million guests stayed with Dubai hotels whose numbers touched 414 last year. VFR (Visiting Friends and Relations) visitors are not counted as hotel guests. There was a 6.9% increase in hotel rooms and flats during the same year, bringing the total to 40,862.

The department said the lodging and non-lodging revenues of Dubai hotels and hotel apartments was AED10,835,463,000, a whopping 22.8% rise over the previous year. More than AED9 billion revenues were notched up by the hotels, while hotel apartments scored AED1.1 billion business in 2006. Similarly, the guest nights rose by 7.9% to reach 17.59 million in 2006 as against 16.3 in 2005 with 7.3% increase.

Meanwhile, the Dubai’s participation in the ITB for the 18th successive year has remained rewarding for the DTCM and its co-participants with the Dubai Stand attracting large numbers of visitors, both from the travel trade and general public.

The Dubai Stand at the 41st edition of ITB measured 506 square metres and had 53 booths. Visitors were provided with the opportunity to watch the handicrafts and Arabic calligraphy at the stand in addition to a chocolate statue of Burj Al Arab and Costa cruise ship model.

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