In the first week of August, 90% occupancy was recorded in the beach hotels, whereas in July 2009, there was 35% increase in GCC visitors. During the first half of 2009, there was a 17% increase in hotel rooms and hotel apartment flats in Dubai. 
 
The rise in ‘guests’ figures has been attributed to the intensive marketing drives launched by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and tourism industry. Hotels and hotel apartments in the emirate witnessed 3.85 million guests in the first half of 2009, which marked a five percent increase over the numbers in the same period the previous year.

During July 2009, 64,102 guests stayed in the three, four and five star hotels, which was a 35 percent year-on-year increase. This increase has been the result of the summer promotion programmes of the DTCM, which included ‘Kids Go Free’ program launched by DTCM, from July 1 to September 20.

“The performance of our ambitious and globally-competitive hospitality industry and the growth trends witnessed in various segments have helped Dubai maintain its solid standing on the world tourism map in one of the most-challenging business environments that the global tourism industry is grappling with,” said  Director General of DTCM , Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem.

He further added, “The DTCM’s promotions and marketing initiatives, taken up in cooperation with the hoteliers and tourism industry professionals, contributed enormously in achieving the high growth and keeping the tourism economy robust. In Dubai, we remain positive and pro-active at an economically-challenging time in the world history. We are moving forward with confidence and positive approach as Dubai gains solid grounds as a year-round business and leisure destination.”

In addition to the promotion and marketing through its 18 Overseas Representative offices and co- participating in travel exhibitions and road shows, the department undertook many other initiatives.

‘Keep discovering Dubai’ programme for about 2000 tour operators, travel agents and Media representatives, from nearly 60 countries was conducted by the department, with the assistance and cooperation of the Emirates Airlines, DMCs and hotels, for a period of three months.

Impressive campaigns through the media were also carried out by the department in UK, Germany, India, Russia, China, Japan and GCC states.