Dubai has topped the list of the world’s highest-spending cities by foreign tourists, overtaking London and Doha in the top three, according to a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
In 2022, international travelers spent US$29.4 billion in Dubai, while travel spending in Doha and London was US$16.8 billion and US$16.1 billion, respectively.
As the authors of the report noted, it was in 2022 that the active recovery of the tourism industry from the consequences of the pandemic began: travel restrictions were lifted and travel demand returned.
The WTTC also noted that the excessive congestion of some tourist destinations may entail certain risks, in connection with which the authorities need to develop the right policy regarding the reception and accommodation of foreign visitors.
The report, which was released at the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, analyzed 82 international city destinations. This year, 10 out of 82 cities are projected to reclaim pre-pandemic tourism revenues.
The most significant growth in tourism revenues is expected in Doha, Warsaw, and Orlando (USA). At the same time, Paris with US$ 36 billion, and Beijing with US$ 33 billion will receive the largest revenues. By 2032, the travel and tourism sector will provide 8% of jobs in these cities (compared to 5.1% in 2020).
According to the WTTC, the travel and tourism industry will create 126 million jobs globally over the next decade and will become a major driver of economic growth as its contribution to GDP grows faster than other sectors.
The most active growth of the tourism industry is expected in the Asia-Pacific region, primarily in Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta. In the Middle East, tourists will also be actively attracted by Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.