UAE: Abu Dhabi aims to receive 24 million tourists by 2023 – News

The emirate will receive 18 million tourists in 2022, with the largest number of international tourists coming from India, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the US

Ahead of the Arabian Tourism Market 2023, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced new performance targets for the emirate, including plans to attract more than 24 million tourists by the end of 2023.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Abu Dhabi’s Undersecretary for Commerce, affirmed the start of an ambitious new chapter for the emirate’s tourism industry. The new targets come after Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry surged through 2022, with hotel occupancy rates and other indicators suggesting the sector’s recovery is well underway. The emirate received 18 million tourists, up 13 percent from the previous year, while hotel occupancy rates reached 70 percent, beating the Middle East average of 67 percent.

The emirate welcomes tourists from all over the world, with the largest number of international tourists coming from India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The improved performance in domestic and international markets can be attributed to increased awareness of the destination and consideration of Abu Dhabi’s growing range of year-round entertainment and sporting events, as well as trade events and roadshows.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our ambitious target of receiving an additional 24 million tourists by the end of 2023 builds on the healthy growth of the past year. This is encouraging Performance is achieved through strong partnerships and delivering memorable travel and “year-round business experiences supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of best-in-class service, infrastructure and influencer marketing. In Abu Dhabi, we demonstrated the power of partnerships across the tourism industry and the fact that we can prosper together. “

Commenting on the new targets, Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director, DCT Abu Dhabi Tourism, said: “Our success to date inspires us to strive for more. We are committed to working with our global IP by furthering our 2023 ambitions Partnering to elevate the successful strategy of creating and delivering unique experiences for everyone and hosting a variety of year-round events for visitors. Thanks to the emirate’s world-leading venues, hotels and supporting facilities.

Last year, the Abu Dhabi Calendar successfully hosted over 100 diverse events over 180 days, bringing together an impressive line-up of world-class talent. From Grammy-winning singer legend Sting to K-pop sensation BLACKPINK to Oscar-winning Indian composer AR Rahman, the events captivated and entertained audiences.

The emirate also hosts some popular homegrown family festivals such as Mother of the Nation Festival (MOTN) and Liwa Festival, which add to the cultural richness and vibrancy of the city.

Abu Dhabi also hosts major events such as the famous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA and UFC, proving itself to be a premier destination for global sports. These events attract large crowds and global attention, cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class destination for entertainment and sports enthusiasts.

In line with DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission to offer diverse experiences, 2022 saw the launch of two tourism campaigns: ‘Experience Abu Dhabi, Find Your Rhythm’ and ‘Summer As You Wish’. In addition, a month-long event was held to mark the fifth anniversary of Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside two high-profile events, the Abu Dhabi Arts and Culture Summit.

Looking ahead to 2023, DCT Abu Dhabi is determined to launch even more ambitious events and activities, demonstrating its commitment to leverage its partnerships to deliver memorable experiences to audiences across the globe.