Dubai?s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing have forecast that over one million visitors from the UK will travel to Dubai in 2016 should current growth rates persist.
Statistics released by the tourism body reveal that the emirate welcomed 687,000 UK hotel guests in 2012, and a further 759,000 in 2013, representing a 10% year-on-year increase. In 2014, Dubai welcomed 845,000 UK hotel guests to its shores, an increase of 11%, an influx that is expected to continue.
Also reported in the region is an increase in demand for all-inclusive hotel deals, with an increasing number of hotels, tour operators and travel agents creating packages that include flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, unlimited drinks and sightseeing.
While several hotels in the country offer all-inclusive deals, only the Turkish chain Rixos operates an all-inclusive resort, in Ras Al Khaimah. But there are signs that the trend is catching on. Spanish chain Riu Hotels and Resorts recently signed a deal with Nakheel to build Dubai?s first all-inclusive beach resort. The 750-room, four-star property will be built at its Deira Islands development.
Meanwhile Dubai is to provide the backdrop to the third instalment of the rebooted Star Trek franchise, which will be shot in the emirate and entitled ?Star Trek Beyond?.
