Why is the UAE Tourism so Buoyant?

Tourism in UAE

A fact long stated that travel and tourism have grown to be one of the most booming sectors in the UAE economy, contributing a considerable share to its GDP growth and supporting a people inclusive development in all emirates. Reasons are numerous to enlist, but the diversification offered by the country crops up as the prime bait enticing millions of tourists, flocking from various parts of the globe.

Needless to say, there has been a massive growth in the hotel development activity, in all seven emirates over the last three years. This is not only an encouraging sign towards a much wider economy in the region, but the driving force behind an increased investor confidence as well. With old projects being transformed into new ones and international operators leaving no stone unturned to make their mark in the UAE hotel industry, there sure is an exponential increase in the amount of career opportunities at the disposal of those who’re interested.
According to a 2013 report by WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council), the UAE tourism contributes nearly 15.4 billion to its national GDP, making a big chunk of its 4%. Plus, it is even expected to expand with even higher momentum, with 7.6% year-on-year increase in the number of tourist arrivals and 9.6% growth in the number of tourism receipts.

The Possible Reasons

You might have observed that there’s a disproportionately huge focus being laid on emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. However, suffice to say that these two global destinations are leading the campaign for GCC’s growth, not just in terms of passenger traffic, but infrastructure expansion as well. Emirates like Dubai offering quality on-ground logistics, along with quality hotels and a plethora of leisure activities have pushed both tourists and hoteliers to explore the country beyond the conspicuous limits.
The name of places like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah though comes saddled with numerable stereotypes, but people from different social backgrounds look forward to them as a blend of various cultural heritage and traditions coming together.
Not to ignore, the gateway effect has a major role to play too. The UAE serves as an in-transit hub, with the Abu Dhabi International Airport becoming one of the first Middle Eastern gateways to open a customs border clearance gate, for western countries like the US.
Facts like the aforementioned, accompanied with an unprecedented airport infrastructure and political stability have significantly contributed to the growth of travel and tourism in the country.
While Abu Dhabi’s tourism is majorly driven by the corporates, meetings, conferences and exhibitions, the emirate is also making immense efforts towards diversifying its tourism demand base, by working on the leisure segment. Having played the host to Formula One Grand Prix previously, Abu Dhabi also expects to witness the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, later in 2015.

Dubai EXPO 2020

Goes without saying that the industry players all across the country are optimistic regarding the World Exposition to be held in Dubai, during 2020. Sources iterate the fact that there were 590 hotels with nearly 93,000 rooms, in the UAE by 2013 end. The same figure is expected to increase by 28,000, till the end of 2016, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi accounting for 50 and 31 percent of these.

There sure are immense growth prospects associated with the tourism in the UAE. But, the prime reason pushing for a growth rate creeping up in huge numbers is the blend of cultures from all around the globe, this country presents. Having stated this, there sure is a Eureka moment to be witnessed yet!