With global travel resuming, UAE travelers are likely to spend a substantial Dh140 billion on international tourism this year, reflecting a renewed passion for exploring global destinations.
According to the most recent data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, UAE travelers’ outbound expenditure is expected to increase by 21.6% this year to $38.31 billion (Dh140.6 billion), in comparison to $31.51 billion (Dh115.64 billion) in 2023 and $28.7 billion in 2019.
Therefore, the latest report issued predicts that in 2024, residents of the United Arab Emirates will spend a significant amount of money traveling and enjoying tourism abroad.
Occupying the 15th spot on the global list, residents of the United Arab Emirates are expected to lead in spending for traveling among Arab and Middle Eastern nations this year, outspending travelers from Taiwan, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Brazil.
The 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report identifies the U.S. as the leading global travel and tourism market, contributing $2.36 trillion to its economy in 2023. China ranks second with a $1.3 trillion GDP contribution, showing strong recovery despite its late border reopening. Germany holds third place with $487.6 billion, while Japan moves up to fourth, contributing $297 billion. The UK completes the top five with $295.2 billion.
The UAE established a domestic tourism plan in 2023 after realizing there was a huge market for it. The strategy aimed to capitalize on citizens’ increasing outbound spending and shift the focus to staycations, particularly during the summer season. This initiative aims to boost the local economy and generate numerous job opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.
The World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, predicts that foreign tourists would spend 9.4%, $52.2 billion (Dh191.57 billion) more in the United Arab Emirates in 2024 than they did in 2017 ( $47.7 billion (Dh175 billion)). In 2024, the UAE will be the second-biggest recipient in the region and the tenth largest recipient internationally.
After the epidemic, inbound tourism in the UAE had a significant recovery, led by Dubai. In fact, the United Arab Emirates was among the first nations to see a return to pre-pandemic levels in the travel and tourism industry.
Julia Simpson, the president and CEO of WTTC states that “As we look forward to a record-breaking 2024, it’s clear that travel and tourism are not only back on track but also set to achieve unprecedented growth. We will continue to prioritize sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that this growth benefits everyone and protects our planet for future generations. The sector’s resilience and potential for innovation continue to drive us forward”
In 2023, the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector grew by 25.3%, contributing $460 billion (6.7% of the region’s economy) and supporting 7.7 million jobs, surpassing 2019 levels. Saudi Arabia’s sector recovered rapidly, with a 29.1% higher GDP contribution than in 2019. Similarly, UAE, the third-largest in the region, also saw strong growth, with its travel sector’s GDP contribution rising by 14.3% over 2019 figures.
Eventually, as nations reopened their borders for tourists, the UAE’s both incoming and outgoing travel and tourism have increased dramatically in the post-pandemic era and currently UAE residents are likely to spend over Dh140 billion on outbound travel and tourism.
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