In the 1950s, the area where present-day Dubai majestically sits was a mere fishing settlement.
Then came an oil discovery in the 1960s and everything changed, for the better! The economy began to soar and skyscrapers shot up straight into the clouds.
But then in the 1990s Dubai's oil revenues took a dip, forcing the emirate to rethink other ways to keep the economy purring.
And that's how Dubai reinvented itself as a prime tourist destination. Today, the city receives over 10 million visitors annually and targets 20 million visitors by 2020.
In this article, we're sharing 5 top reasons why Dubai tourism industry is on the boom. Read on!
1. Shift of Economic Focus from Oil Production to Tourism
To excel in something, you must prioritize it and work towards achieving it.
Dubai realized it could no longer rely on oil production for revenue, so it found an alternative in tourism and started working towards making it a top tourist destination for business and leisure.
To do this, it began by establishing Emirates Airline, which opened up the region to the world. Presently, the airline is one of the largest in the world, and Dubai International Airport serves over 120 airlines.
Such increased access no doubt boosts tourism in the city.
2. Tourist Attractions? Don’t Even Mention It!
The number 1 thing that makes a place a hot tourist destination is its attractions.
And boy, Dubai has no shortage of attractions.
Whatever tickles your fancy, be it museums and recreational spaces, artificial islands, shopping malls, sandy beaches, religious spots, stadiums or libraries, rest-assured you will find them in Dubai.
Have we even mentioned the wonder that is Burj Khalifa, also the world's tallest building? It has been chosen by TripAdvisor as one of the most toured landmarks in the world!
3. Cultural Diversity - with an Urban Twist
When was the last time you visited a foreign city with a collection of people from so many different cultural backgrounds?
If you haven't, you need to visit Dubai.
Although the city is in an Arab region, at any given time it hosts so many diverse cultures that it's hardly possible to fully experience the Arab culture.
Yes, you'll meet camels and encounter other Arab traditions, but the majority of Dubai residents are foreign-born individuals who have effectively changed the city's culture to that of urban luxury and opulence.
Such cultural diversity makes Dubai tourism irresistible to the modern traveler.
4. Expo 2020
Did you know an event that will be held in 2020 is already boosting tourism in Dubai?
That's right! The Expo 2020, a six-month event which will be "a festival of human ingenuity" is expected to attract millions of people from across the world, as Dubai promises to showcase the best of what the human mind can create.
If you love to attend events and share ideas, this is certainly one you shouldn't miss.
5. Peaceful City in a Peaceful Country
Generally, the Middle East is not known for peace.
Seriously, what comes to mind when you hear the word Syria, Iraq or Yemen? Terror, right?
Fortunately, not all of the Middle East is at war. There are several peaceful nations, including UAE, which is also home to the Emirate of Dubai.
The fact that UAE is a very peaceful nation no doubt makes Dubai a destination of choice among most tourists.
Dubai Tourism: Expect It to Keep Soaring
The tourism industry in Dubai has grown to become a key pillar of the city's economy.
With more visitors jetting in, local businesses are being exposed to more potential customers with high-spending power.
If you're a business owner, staying on top of your customer experience management is a sure way to ensure customers keep knocking on your door.
And if you need help delivering the best experience to your customers, trust us to get it done for you.
