UK tourists in Dubai grows 8%

UK tourists in Dubai rose 8% year-on-year for the second quarter of 2013 representing around 185,000 guests. The figure is a solid increase on the 170,000 who made the trip to the Emirate in the second quarter of 2012. Ian Scott, UK & Ireland director, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “The second quarter of 2013 has seen an even higher growth in visitor figures from the UK than Q1. This increase is extremely encouraging particularly in view of our recently announced vision for 2020 with its ambitious targets. The growth in visitors staying in guest houses and 1 – 3 star accommodation can be attributed to our efforts to eliminate the misconception that the city is exclusively an expensive destination with the trade and consumer now having a greater understanding of its affordability.” There are currently 161 flights each week which go from the UK to Dubai, 77 from Heathrow, 21 from Gatwick and 63 from other regional airports. Source: Travel Daily