happenings this month Dubai attracted 14.9 million visitors in 2016
Dubai attracted 14.9 million visitors in 2016
Updated on 07 February 2017

Dubai Tourism released its annual visitor figures showing Dubai attracted 14.9 million overnight visitors in 2016, recording a healthy 5% increase over 2015, and an impressive 4-year CAGR of 8% (2012 to 2016) since Sheikh Mohammed launched the 2020 tourism strategy.

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This performance trajectory which reflects twice the global travel industry growth of circa 4% over the same period as forecasted by the United Nations World Travel Organisation (UNWTO), cements the foundation for Dubai Tourism to maintain stable momentum over the next three years and attain its 2020 goals.

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The strong performance of the emirate’s tourism industry amidst a particularly turbulent year across the world assures progress towards not only the annual target of 20 million visitors by 2020, but also the increased sector-driven economic contribution to Dubai’s GDP. In what is an assertive reinforcement of the tourism sector’s resilience and competitiveness, Dubai has continued to grow its share of outbound travel market despite three of its largest source markets witnessing unique disruptions, coupled with debilitating international factors and a cautious global consumer sentiment that characterised 2016.

Visitors by region:

  • GCC 23%
  • Western Europe 21%
  • South Asia 18%
  • North Asia and South-east Asia 9%
  • Americas 6%
  • Russia, CIS, Eastern Europe 5%
  • Africa 5%
  • Australasia 2%

Top 20 Source Markets:

  1. India
  2. KSA
  3. UK
  4. Oman
  5. Pakistan
  6. US
  7. China
  8. Iran
  9. Germany
  10. Kuwait
  11. Philippines
  12. Egypt
  13. Australia
  14. France
  15. Russia
  16. Italy
  17. Qatar
  18. Canada
  19. Jordan
  20. Nigeria

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