United Arab Emirates attracted 11 million tourists in 2012

While political upheavals led to a decline in Middle Eastern tourism last year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a substantial increase in visitor arrivals.

An estimated 11 million tourists travelled to the UAE in 2012; 8 million to Dubai, 2 million Abu Dhabi and the remainder descended upon the other five emirates, according to data released at the WTM Vision Conference at the Arabian Travel Market.

Due to a strong MICE sector and leisure appeal, all five UAE states witnessed increased hotel occupancy rates in 2012.

Saudi Arabia was the top source market for inbound tourism to the UAE, with 1.5 million visiting tourists.

Inbound trips to the Middle East dropped 5% last year due to the 'Arab Spring' political movements, which occurred in 2011 and affected countries including Saudi Arabia, Syria and Lebanon.

Explaining the findings, Reed Travel Exhibitions WTM Director Simon Press stated "it is great to hear that recovery has been seen in a number of Middle Eastern and North African countries such as the UAE, Egypt and Tunisia.

"However, the danger still remains with the unrest and on-going violence in Syria which could affect neighbouring countries."

For more information go to www.arabiantravelmarket.com/

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