The number of foreign tourists heading to the UAE this year is expected to reach almost 9 million, according to the latest industry forecast issued by international industry consultant Business Monitor International (BMI). The BMI report forecasts that overseas arrivals in the UAE during 2012 will climb to 9 million, a healthy nine per cent increase on the 8.2 million tourists that arrived in the UAE in 2011, according to an Arabian Business report.
Echoing that sentiment, Arabian Travel Market (ATM),
the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, is witnessing strong online visitor interest ahead of this year's event, with the number of pre-registered visitors already up 132 per cent from the same time last year. "With unrest particularly in Egypt and North Africa last year, the UAE experienced an influx of tourism, boosting its status as a regional safe haven," said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. "With Emirates and Etihad opening-up at least ten more destinations between them this year, not including low cost options FlyDubai, and Air Arabia, future tourism growth is assured. ATM not only provides a platform for the travel and tourism industry, it acts as a barometer and the massive increase in our online registrations certainly supports BMI's forecast," he added.
Click here to see the original article>the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, is witnessing strong online visitor interest ahead of this year's event, with the number of pre-registered visitors already up 132 per cent from the same time last year. "With unrest particularly in Egypt and North Africa last year, the UAE experienced an influx of tourism, boosting its status as a regional safe haven," said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. "With Emirates and Etihad opening-up at least ten more destinations between them this year, not including low cost options FlyDubai, and Air Arabia, future tourism growth is assured. ATM not only provides a platform for the travel and tourism industry, it acts as a barometer and the massive increase in our online registrations certainly supports BMI's forecast," he added.