3 million 850 thousand tourists visited Dubai in the first half of 2009, which is 5% more than the same period last year, the press office of the Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing of Dubai (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) reports.
Statistics released by the DTCM show that Dubai's beach hotels from January through the first week of August, inclusive, were 90% full on average. The number of hotel guests from member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has increased compared to last year, especially in the summer months. For example, in July 64102 people with citizenship or a visa of a resident of the GCC countries were registered who stayed in 5 *, 4 * and 3 * hotels. This indicator is 35% higher than the 2008 figure. The increase in the number of guests during the summer is associated with the popularity of the traditional summer shopping festival in Dubai.
Commenting on the statistics, Khalid bin Sulayem, DTKM General Director, indicated that the department has a very positive mood, despite all the global financial problems. "We go forward with full confidence that Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a tourist and business center, attractive to tourists and businessmen all year round."
DTCM statistics are at odds with the Business Monitor International (BMI) forecast, which predicts Dubai’s decline in tourist flow in 2009 by 3% compared to 2008.
