In line with Mintel’s predictions that the economic decline is not expected to impact significantly on the luxury holiday market, Dubai is reaffirming its position as a luxury destination with an ever-increasing number of visitors to the country. The emirate’s hotel market is manifestly booming.
There are currently 50,306 hotel rooms in Dubai and this number is predicted to increase exponentially to accommodate the projected upsurge of 15 million tourists anticipated by 2015, compared to 6.9 million visitors in 2007.

The UK and Ireland market continue to drive these figures with hotel occupancy reaching 224,457, an 11.3 percent increase on the same period last year.
The large scale developments planned over the next seven years will add to an already burgeoning industry. The number of hotels and hotel apartments is expected to increase to 488 by 2010, up from 452 in 2007. And by 2016 this number is expected to grow to 554, with a room capacity of 127,000.

Figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council demonstrate the buoyancy of the market: the sector is growing by close to 14 percent annually.

Over 100 leisure related projects worth £35 billion are currently underway and the tourism industry now accounts for almost a quarter (22.6 per cent) of Dubai’s annual GDP. Additionally this sector is expected to generate £40 billion in revenues and contribute 6.4 percent directly to the UAE’s GDP in 2008, expanding to almost £70 billion by 2018.

A plethora of iconic and visionary projects serve to ensure Dubai’s position as a pioneering luxury destination.

Whether you are looking for an activity packed family holiday or a luxurious spa break for two, Dubai continues to meet expectations.

The Atlantis The Palm will open in September 2008 boasting a 50-acre waterscape with a marine park featuring more than 65,000 sea creatures. Regarded as the flagship resort on The Palm Jumeirah due to its scale, magnificent design and wealth of entertainment opportunities, Atlantis, The Palm will boost the emirate’s premium family product.

Emaar has also announced that its newest offering The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai will open later this year.

The 63-storey tower promises a true 5-star experience in close proximity to the world’s tallest building, Burj Dubai, and the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, The Dubai Mall.

Further visionary collaborations will bring about another world’s first when the Armani Hotel makes its international debut at Burj Dubai early next year.
The hotel will occupy the first 37 floors of the soaring tower, and will offer the chance the sample the Italian designer’s sophisticated style.