In recent times Dubai, in the UAE, has become a major attraction for visitors from the UK during the holiday seasons.
Dubai is claimed to be home to some of the world’s most stunning hotel architecture, including the Armani, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis the Palm. According to an earlier industry forecast issued by international industry consultant, Business Monitor International (BMI), the number of foreign tourists heading to the UAE in 2012 is expected to reach almost 9 million.
A Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) report has suggested that in the second quarter of 2012, hotel and apartment booking in Dubai has increased to 170,452, from 154,180 during the same period in 2011. The average stay for travellers from the UK has also increased by 5 percent in the second quarter of 2012, from that in same quarter of 2011.
New hotels in Dubai include the Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, the Palazzo Versace Dubai and W Hotel Dubai.
The 330-room Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah will be opening in 2014, and will be offering a 600 metre private beach, a health spa and a number of outdoor pools. The hotel will also be offering ten restaurants and bars.
The Palazzo Versace Dubai will open in 2014, claiming to offer a luxury lifestyle experience, while W Hotels is opening its new hotel on the Sheik Zayed Road, with 384 guest rooms.
Ian Scott, director of Dubai Tourism for UK and Ireland, said, ‘Dubai is becoming a much more affordable destination and it’s great to see so many families choosing to visit the emirate for the first time.
Dubai has, however, built a reputation as a luxury destination, and due to demand a number of new five star hotels is set to open over the next four years.
It’s great to see such a wide variety of accommodation available in the emirate – from an extensive range of self catering options to family resorts and boutique hotels – there really is something for everyone.’
