According to the latest data compiled by Expedia Group from the second quarter of 2019, the number of travellers visiting UAE from China has grown significantly. Industry leaders are suggesting that the number of Chinese tourists travelling to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is expected to rise by 81% from 1.6 million in 2018 to 2.9 million in 2022, with a significant percentage choosing UAE and Dubai as their preferred holiday destination.
The data revealed that while travelers from the US, the UK and France topped the list for overall demand into the country, travellers from China showed a robust 220% year on year growth in package demand compared to the same period last year, making up more than 5% share of total package demand.
According to Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai welcomed more than 290,000 Chinese visitors in the first three months of the year.
Paula de Keijzer, senior director of market management of Africa, Indian Ocean, Middle East and Turkey at Expedia Group said: “As seen from this recent data, UAE continues to be a hotspot for international travelers and we are noticing high growth in demand from new countries and regions coming to visit UAE, which is very exciting.”
