Latest news with #TourismPerformanceReport
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brookfield reportedly eyeing acquisition of Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Brookfield Asset Management is reportedly in negotiations to acquire Sofitel Dubai The Palm, a luxury hotel located on the island of Palm Jumeirah. The potential deal may place the property's value at approximately Dh2bn ($545m), reported Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. In the event the purchase is finalised, it would represent Brookfield's initial foray into Dubai's hotel market. However, discussions are still in progress and there is no guarantee that an agreement will be secured, said the report. The 546-room luxury hotel is currently operated by French hospitality giant Accor. The development comes as Dubai recorded 8.68 million overnight guests between January and May 2025, marking a 7% rise from the same period in the previous year, according to the Tourism Performance Report by the Government of Dubai. The city's average hotel occupancy rate rose to 83%, while the total number of room nights sold grew by 4% on an annual basis, reaching 19.09 million. Revenue per available room in Dubai also escalated to Dh513, representing a 7% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Brookfield has been actively investing in the Middle East, with a focus on infrastructure, real estate, and private equity, stated the publication. In May, Brookfield entered a joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based asset management company Lunate, committing $1bn to residential real estate investments in the region. Brookfield is also exploring the possibility of initiating its inaugural mixed-use residential project in Dubai Hills, as reported by the publication. "Brookfield reportedly eyeing acquisition of Sofitel Dubai The Palm" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Focus Malaysia
07-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Instead of zooming, tourism should be viewed panoramically
WHEN viewed through the lens of various stakeholders, tourism is a different thing to different people. Since the Travel and Tours Enhancement Course (TTEC) was introduced in 2012, I have been urging travel industry personnel to look beyond the academic definition of tourism. To discover new business opportunities, they ought to recognise that tourism is a gargantuan business that overlaps hundreds of sectors, with the major industries being the airlines, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, attractions, theme parks, and transport using vehicles, trains and ships. When developing the Mesra Malaysia course in 2019, I incorporated the most pertinent facts and figures found in the Tourism Performance Report by Tourism Malaysia on inbound tourism, and assessments in the Domestic Tourism Survey by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). In 2018, the top five states with the most number of domestic visitors were Selangor (30.2 million), Sabah (20.4 million), Sarawak (19.4 million), Kuala Lumpur (19.2 million), and Pahang (18.1 million). The other nine states combined received a total of 114 million domestic visitors. The ranking changed slightly in 2019, with Selangor (33.6 million), Kuala Lumpur (22.6 million), Sabah (22 million), Perak 21.1 million), and Sarawak (19.8 million). Last year, the top three states were Selangor (34.5 million), Kuala Lumpur (27 million) and Perak (21.8 million). While conducting several Training-of-Trainers on Mesra Malaysia in 2019, none of the wannabe trainers could explain correctly why highly popular Penang and Melaka were not among the top five states. It was the same when I conducted the Training-of-Trainers on TTEC in 2022. This is because many people, including those who ought to know better, are still stuck to their superficial understanding of tourism. Those in the travel business would associate tourism with tours, hotel operators with tourists, and politicians with success stories to claim or shout about. Like it or not, they should be more objective and not define tourism according to their whims and fancies or perspectives. Tourism includes activities by anyone who travels out of town, state or country regardless of distance, and not commuting nearby for work, study, dining, or shopping. Those who did not stay overnight away from home are termed excursionists at their destinations, regardless of whether they were within or in a foreign country. Those who stayed overnight were tourists, and two-third of domestic tourists stayed in free accommodation provided by relatives. Visitors can be excursionists or tourists, and all are categorised by nationality and not where their travel originates. For example, many foreigners visiting Malaysia are working as expats or operating businesses in Asean nations, and they take the opportunity to travel within the region. International tourism includes foreigners coming in (inbound) to visit our country and Malaysians going out (outbound) of our country. Contrary to popular belief, domestic travel is not just within the country but could either be interstate travel or intrastate, which is within the same state. I have often explained that the high numbers of domestic visitors recorded in Sabah and Sarawak were not due to large number of Malaysians travelling from other states, which was always the answer offered by participants during training. They are people travelling within the same state. Recently, Penang state executive councillor for tourism and creative economy Wong Hon Wai was unhappy with the 2024 Domestic Tourism Survey, which was carried out using the same methodology honed over the years as far back as before 2018. As published, he said the survey placed Perak ahead of Penang in terms of domestic tourist numbers, and pointed out that Penang hotels recorded three million international visitors and 5.2 million domestic hotel guests, according to Tourism Malaysia's official 2024 statistics. He was reported to have said that in comparison, Perak, which topped the Domestic Tourism Survey, recorded only 4.18m domestic hotel stays. In Penang, tourism is tied to rich culture, heritage and world-class arts events, so a household survey cannot capture the full picture. He added, 'DOSM classified all residents who travel beyond their usual area, including those who do not stay overnight, as domestic tourists.' He also criticised the broad definition of 'domestic tourists' used in the survey report. Be that as it may, I have followed, analysed and commented on the annual reports of the Domestic Tourism Survey over the years, which were then published at the end of every June, and found them to be accurate, consistent, and aligned with international best practices. DOSM definition of visitors, which covers excursionists (same day visitors) and tourists (overnight visitors) is the same as given by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Only those who comprehend basic tourism terms will be able to understand tourism facts and figures. ‒ July 7, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
Web Release
30-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Dubai Welcomes 8.68M International Tourists in the First Five Months of 2025
Dubai Welcomes 8.68M International Tourists in the First Five Months of 2025 Dubai welcomed 8.68 million international visitors between January and May 2025, representing a 7 per cent rise compared to 8.12 million tourists during the same timeframe in 2024, according to the most recent figures published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In May alone, the city received 1.53 million international tourists, as detailed in the Tourism Performance Report for January to May 2025. Western Europe was the top source market, contributing 1.917 million visitors and making up 22 per cent of the total. This was followed by Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Eastern Europe, which together accounted for 1.396 million tourists (16 per cent). International visitors from Asia and the MENA region South Asia ranked third with 1.242 million visitors (14 per cent), while the GCC region represented 1.275 million visitors (15 per cent). The Middle East and North Africa attracted 989,000 visitors (11 per cent), followed by Northeast and Southeast Asia with 771,000 tourists (9 per cent). The Americas contributed 601,000 visitors (7 per cent), Africa 346,000 (4 per cent), and Australia 141,000 (2 per cent).
Arabian Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Tourism Surges to 8.68 Million Visitors in First Five Months
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has welcomed 8.68 million international visitors between 1 January and 31 May 2025, reflecting a 7 per cent increase compared with the 8.12 million who arrived during the same period in 2024, according to the Tourism Performance Report from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. In May alone, the city hosted 1.53 million international tourists. Western Europe emerged as the largest source market, supplying approximately 1.917 million visitors—or 22 per cent of the total. Trailing behind were Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe with around 1.396 million tourists. South Asia contributed 1.242 million visitors, while the Gulf Cooperation Council countries accounted for 1.275 million. The Middle East and North Africa numbers reached 989,000, with Southeast and Northeast Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia following with 9 per cent, 7 per cent, 4 per cent and 2 per cent shares respectively. ADVERTISEMENT Hotel inventory expanded slightly, reaching 825 establishments with 153,356 rooms by the end of May, up from 822 hotels offering 150,202 rooms a year earlier. Occupancy averaged 83 per cent across the five-month span, climbing two percentage points from 81 per cent in 2024. Total occupied room nights reached 19.09 million, a 4 per cent increase over the previous year's 18.34 million. Average visitor stays remained steady at 3.8 nights—even as room rates climbed. The average daily rate rose to AED 620, while revenue per available room increased to AED 513, marking a 7 per cent improvement. These figures follow a landmark 2024 for Dubai, which attracted a record 18.72 million international overnight visitors—an increase of 9 per cent compared to 17.15 million in 2023. At the close of 2024, hotel capacity stood at 832 properties with 154,016 rooms, confirming the city's commitment to expanding hospitality infrastructure. Analysts attribute this growth to strengthened global connectivity, robust destination marketing campaigns and a curated events calendar. In Q1 2025, Dubai recorded a 3 per cent year‑on‑year rise in visitor numbers from 5.31 million in the first quarter of last year. Regional data from the same period finds Western Europe contributing 22 per cent, CIS and Eastern Europe 17 per cent, and GCC countries 15 per cent. Commenting at the Arabian Travel Market expo, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, underlined the role of tourism as a gateway for inward investment, talent and trade. He highlighted new partnerships with Amadeus, Premier Inn Middle East and Hyatt, plus training collaborations between the Dubai College of Tourism and Marriott, aimed at enhancing Emirati workforce participation. Industry observers note that average daily rates in the hospitality sector climbed to AED 647 in Q1, underpinned by stronger ADR and occupancy figures. Sustainable tourism initiatives also gained traction; over 150 hotels have since earned the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp—a 118 per cent year‑on‑year increase. Dubai's appeal spans an array of demographics. While Western Europe remains the single largest source market, growth from South Asia, the GCC, CIS countries, and Southeast Asia reflects diversified outreach efforts. Leisure, business travel and high-profile events are all contributing factors. Capacity expansion has run in parallel with evolving demand. Investments continue not just in hotel rooms but in broadening the tourism ecosystem—spanning cultural attractions, entertainment venues and transport links. Airport infrastructure upgrades and added flight routes further bolster access for key markets. Despite the sustained momentum, the industry faces challenges including seasonal weather variations, geopolitical volatility and budget competition from other destinations. However, Dubai's consistently high ADR and RevPAR metrics suggest healthy pricing power across its hospitality sector. The emirate's strategy emphasises quality over quantity, focusing on richer, high-yield tourism segments including luxury experiences, MICE, health tourism and eco‑conscious travel. This is aligned with the broader economic vision outlined under the Dubai Economic Agenda, aiming to double the size of the economy by 2033. Continued collaboration between government bodies, private-sector operators and international partners is central to sustaining this trajectory. As global travel rebounds from pandemic-era disruption, Dubai is leveraging its infrastructure depth, event portfolio and marketing muscle to strengthen its position in the upper echelons of global tourist destinations. Economic projections for 2025 remain positive. With visitor numbers tracking ahead of last year's pace and average daily rates increasing, tourism is projected to deliver significant contributions to GDP and related sectors such as transport, retail, entertainment, F&B and real estate.
Yemen Online
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yemen Online
Dubai attracts 8.68 million international visitors in first 5 months of 2025
Dubai attracted 8.68 million international visitors from January to May 2025, marking a 7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded 8.12 million tourists, according to the latest data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In May alone, the city welcomed 1.53 million international tourists, the Tourism Performance Report January – May 2025 showed. Western Europe was the leading source market, contributing 1.917 million visitors and accounting for 22 per cent of the total. Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and Eastern Europe followed with 1.396 million tourists (16 per cent). International visitors from Asia and MENA region South Asia came third with 1.242 million visitors (14 per cent), while the GCC region accounted for 1.275 million (15 per cent). The Middle East and North Africa brought in 989,000 visitors (11 per cent), followed by Northeast and Southeast Asia with 771,000 tourists (9 per cent). The Americas contributed 601,000 visitors (7 per cent), Africa 346,000 (4 per cent), and Australia 141,000 (2 per cent). Dubai hotel inventory As of May, Dubai's hotel inventory grew to 825 establishments offering 153,356 rooms, up from 822 hotels and 150,202 rooms in May 2024. Average hotel occupancy increased to 83 per cent, up from 81 per cent during the same period last year. Total occupied room nights reached 19.09 million, a 4 per cent rise from 18.34 million in 2024. Visitors stayed an average of 3.8 nights per trip. The average daily room rate climbed to Dhs620, a 5 per cent increase from Dhs590 in the previous year.
