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*Tourism to Generate Dh63b Economic Activity in UAE

Report paints positive outlook for local industry

Total demand in the UAE’s travel and tourism sector is expected to generate economic activity worth Dh63.2 billion ($17.20 billion) this year, growing (in nominal terms) to Dh107.6 billion ($29.30 billion ) by 2014, according to a report published by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

In its latest report on the UAE, WTTC has said travel and tourism demand is expected to grow by 2.5 per cent per annum, in real terms, between 2004 and 2014.

Dubai’s hotels and hotel apartments hosted an all-time record 4.980.228 guests last year, up from 4.756.280 in 2002 and 3.626.625 in 2001.
The WTTC report, however, says the UAE’s travel and tourism is expected to contribute 1.1 per cent, or Dh3.7 billion, to its GDP this year, rising in nominal terms to Dh6.9 billion or $1.88 billion by 2014.

The UAE’s travel and tourism economy employment is estimated at 151.549 job this year, 9.9 per cent of total employment. By 2014, this should increase to 184.706 jobs.

(Source: Gulf News)