“Dubai is an ambitious city and it will never stop its developments, not even after Expo 2020,” stated Shahzad Butt, general manager, Ramada Downtown Dubai.
Illustrating just how far the emirate is willing to go to amaze the world and firmly set itself apart from other destinations, in just the span of mere four years, Dubai is planning to thoroughly revive its already mesmerising skyline by building new infrastructure and erecting record-breaking structures.
Ahead of the six-month Expo 2020, a 438ha site is being developed in Dubai South and by the time the mega event – for which more than 8,000 companies have already registered – visits the region for the first time, the emirate is set to complete the 15km extension of its metro line, unveil the AED160 million (USD44 million) Dubai Frame near Zabeel Park, add six kilometres to its waterfront with the AED2 billion (USD544 million) water canal, launch the Museum of the Future and construct The Tower, which – demonstrating Dubai’s soaring ambitions – will even eclipse Burj Khalifa to become the world’s tallest tower.
“The vision of Dubai Tourism, as outlined by the leadership of Dubai, is the strength with which we move forward. Dubai is one of the top travel destinations acknowledged by global tourists,” stated Ahmed Badawy, general manager, Jood Palace Hotel, Dubai.
According to Manoj Padhi, general manager, Raviz Center Point Hotel, one of the main catalysts of Dubai’s success is its constant innovation, which creates an abundance of opportunities to investors and business communities.
The emirate’s long-term goal is indeed clear; to become the leading destination for global travel, business and events by 2020.
“Dubai already caters to around 10 million visitors a year and the current infrastructure that is in place and what is being planned and undertaken will prepare [the emirate] to handle 20 million – or even more – visitors by 2020,” asserted Fadeel Wehbe, general manager, Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
In fact, as data released by Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) shows, in 2015, some 14.2 million overnight travellers were recorded in the emirate, marking a 7.5 percent year-on-year growth and establishing it as the world’s fourth most visited city.
Dubai, however, is not resting on its laurels and has firmly set its sights on the top spot.
According to Helal Saeed Almarry, director general, DCTM, to hit the 20 million milestone by 2020, the emirate needs to deliver a threshold seven to eight percent annual growth consistently. So far, this year remains on track with 8.37 million travellers on record between January and July.
As Butt noted, to this end, hoteliers are actively working in close cooperation with DTCM to help identify the right tourism strategies for the destination.
He referred to the establishment of new air links – especially by Emirates – which is always being followed and supported by proactive campaigns by the tourism organisation with the participation of other industry stakeholders.
“Dubai always surprises. The pace of development is phenomenal,” added Emmanuel Bungeri, cluster director of sales, Raviz Center Point Hotel, saying that hoteliers are playing a crucial role in this progress and although with the launch of new hotels, hotel apartments, holiday homes and Airbnb options the emirate’s room inventory is expected to further swell, industry stakeholders will be able to rise to the occasion to ensure the successful outcome.
