Dubai leads way in hotel occupancy and RevPAR from January-April 2010

According to a report in traveldailynews.com, Dubai's tourism sector continues to flourish as the emirate records the highest occupancy figures and revenues worldwide for the first four months of 2010, compared to the same period last year. Dubai is outperforming other international markets by recording occupancy of 77.4 per cent during the first four months of the year, demonstrating a growth of 8.4 per cent on the same period in 2009. The analysis, which has been conducted by the international accounting and consulting firm Deloitte, also examined international achievements in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) figures across the world. Dubai's RevPAR ranked highest internationally, recorded at USD 195.72 (approximately 136 Pounds) for January – April 2010. This news follows as Dubai International Airport recently announces an increase in passenger traffic of 13.9 per cent in the month of April this year compared to the same period in 2009, bringing the year-to-date number of passengers to 15,215,536 and representing an increase of 18.7 per cent. This is despite the volcanic ash cloud which grounded flights around the world for six days in April this year. Dubai's innovative and ambitious spirit, combined with its strategic marketing efforts, continues to outperform other international destinations by driving visitors to the region.  In the first part of this year, Dubai witnessed the opening of the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and in April this year the world's first Armani Hotel was opened. Over the coming months a host of new developments are set to open including The Palazzo Versace, a second One&Only property and Royal Amwaj on Palm Jumeirah. Luxury hotelier Elisabetta Gucci also announced the opening of the first hotel in Dubai. Ian Scott, Director UK and Ireland, Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said, "Occupancy increase for the first four months of the year clearly demonstrates Dubai's resilience as a tourism destination as the world starts to emerge from the recent economic downturn.  Dubai has developed a strong offering which has a universal appeal with a host of exciting developments catering for all tastes and budgets. Continuing to attract visitors from around the world, Dubai's exceptional hospitality and high standards have fuelled this increasing number of visitors who continue to seek out the best holiday experience." http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/dubai-leads-way-in-hotel-occupancy-and-revpar-from-januaryapril-2010-10577