The pandemic shook the world for two whole years, creating an uncertain situation for every industry, job and individual. The world had changed the way it progressed. Underdeveloped states faced a huge plethora of difficult economic times and the way the world works came to a sudden halt. However a beacon of light emerged when Dubai’s Expo 2020 happened. For 6 months we saw a positive and impactful change. Practicing the regulations and exercising COVID-19 restrictions, the event came out as a huge success and was one of the largest exposure gaining interest for everyone around the world. The major events of 2021, Expo 2020 and UAE Golden Jubilee Celebrations were well coordinated and proactive events that accelerated the recovery in giving Dubai a major boost.
Due to the Expo happening, Dubai’s hospitality sector including Tourism and Hotel industry skyrocketed and saw an increase in sales and occupancy. Year 2021, itself marked a compelling 32% of YoY growth. Over 7.28 million international visitors came that year breaking records for 2020 and 2019 as recorded by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) The Hospitality sector delivered a stellar performance that surpassed the pre-pandemic levels. The fourth quarter of 2021 was a drastic boom in occupancy and visitor numbers.
The pre-pandemic target was 25 million visitors.Starting 1 October, 2021 till 12 March, 2022, over 21 million visitors were recorded and the Expo 2020 was deemed a huge hit even after the uncertain and insecure scenario. Topping the lists were 910,000 visitors from India, 491,000 from Saudi Arabia, 444,000 visitors from Russia and 420,000 visitors from the United Kingdom. It is estimated that 30% of the total Expo visitors arrived from overseas, which is an unexpected increase that was not predicted due to COVID-19.
After the Expo ending in March it is uncertain whether the numbers will return to the same station or will we experience a rise in Dubai’s Tourism Industry. A positive and sustainable trend is expected to continue this year which will officially mark the end of the pandemic. The trend is expected to continue through 2022 till the coming years. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2022 has marked Dubai as the prime destination for international traveling, which reaffirms the tourism and hospitality industry as a key factor in the economic growth of UAE.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for India, MEA at IHG explained that “We are closely monitoring the crisis, and are equipped with contingency plans in case of any such need. With Ramadan in April this year, we will have promotions running through the holy month. [And] soon after will be the off-peak season where we will then focus on our summer deals.”
It is estimated that for the first time after the pandemic the hotel sector outperformed and established an occupancy rate of 81.4% which is a number higher than 80.7% which was recorded in 2019.
The plan is to open opportunities and promotional planning during the Month of Ramadan and then Eid Holidays. The expected numbers are almost close to 60% of occupancy rate in areas which are excellent for vacations and holidays in Dubai. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is offering dedicated and reliable options for Dubai as the prime destination for business, investment and tourism. The country is taking initiatives to spur growth and invest in more significant changes that will offer further opportunities.
