Over 1.05 million of Dubai's total 3.6 million visitors in 2001 stayed in five-star hotels, generating 2.72 million guest-nights.
These figures were revealed in a report prepared by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Last year, 3,626,625 visitors stayed in Dubai's 403 hotels and hotel apartments, generating a total of 9.11 million guest-nights. The actual number of visitors to Dubai, however, is much higher as a good number of visitors stay with family friends and relatives. A breakdown on the visitors statistics amongst 3.6 million hotel and hotel guests released by DTCM also reveals, 656,539 (18 per cent) of the guests stayed in four-star hotels generating 1.46 million guest-nights last year. The number of visitors staying in three-star and two-star hotels are 502,645 (14 per cent) and 313,605 (9 per cent) respectively while one-star and listed hotels accommodated 222,184 (6 per cent) and 317,210 (9 per cent) of the total number of .guests. The three categories of hotel apartments, namely deluxe, standard and listed apartments accommodated about 170,080 (5 per cent), 197,523 (5 per cent) and 194,321 (5 per cent) guests respectively. However, together, they generated about 1.92 million (22 per cent) guest-nights. Meanwhile, several hotels have said August was a successful month for them. Emarad Elias, deputy manager, Rotana Group said that its hotels has enjoyed an occupancy rate of 70 per cent. Capitol Hotel also said it experienced a substantial increase in its business from its participation in the DSS hotel promotions, said Jan Seman, manager and partner. "Our occupancy rate for the first week of August rose by 32 per cent over that of last year. We have also averaged an occupancy rate of 90 per cent in our three properties in Dubai," he added. Even beachside properties reported an increase in the number of visitors. The Royal Mirage reported an increase of 15 to 20 per cent in occupancy rate during DSS over the same period last year. Oliver Louis, general manager Royal Mirage, said that the hotel was running a promotion of a room for only Dh500 per night, including taxes. Afif Nakawi, sales and marketing manager for the Ramada hotel, part of the Marriott International chain, said the hotel witnessed a huge surge of 39 per cent in visitors this summer compared with 2001, giving an average occupancy rate of 90 per cent in August. Susan Mikoloska, marketing manager, Sofitel City Centre Hotel, said the hotel enjoyed an average occupancy rate of 90 per cent, with a 14 per cent rise over the same time last year.