Kenya-Uganda tourism benefits from relaxed border restrictions.

Kenya and Uganda have an arrangement where tourists arriving in Kenya can go on to visit Uganda on the same visa while using Uganda Airlines as a connecting carrier.

Relaxed border restrictions have been credited for the near double growth in tourism numbers between Kenya and Uganda in the past two years, with two countries implementing joint tourist events to improve integration.

Data from the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) shows over 600,000 tourists from two countries visited different tourist centres, compared with 320,000 in 2022.

Different interventions, among them use of identification cards to cross borders, improved infrastructure and investments on establishments and joint campaigns, have bridged market access challenges, increasing the numbers.

An initiative launched about two years for joint marketing for beach and safari has been yielding fruits to increase the numbers.

The Uganda Consul-General at the Kenyan Coast, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya said increased trips of Uganda Airlines and modern transport sector have led to increased numbers. For instance, in 2023, more than490,000 Kenyans visited Uganda, whereas 201,620 Ugandans visited Kenya.

“Following two highly successful Kenya-Uganda tourism conferences held in the coastal towns of Mombasa and Diani, more citizens in the two countries have increased the urge to visit different tourist attraction centres,” Mr Mukumbya said.

He was speaking during the media launch of the 3rd Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference in Mombasa.

He said that, with plans to have enhanced tourism promotion such as a trade and investment mission to Uganda in November this year, more tourists are expected to add to the existing numbers.

He said previous campaigns have increased awareness about Uganda and Kenya Coast destinations as well as the products they offer.

Synergies between key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya Coastal region have been built and enhanced where different tourism stakeholders from both countries are already selling both destinations.

The partnership will ensure thousands of tourists visiting either Kenya or Uganda move freely between the two countries where they can have breakfast at the beach and lunch in a safari in Uganda.

“This initiative aims to attract Kenyan businesspeople and manufacturers to explore opportunities in Uganda, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.

The 3rd Uganda- Kenya Coast Tourism Conference will take place in Kampala, Uganda from 20th- 21st November 2024,” the consul-general said.

Uganda and Kenya Coast have different tourism products that complement one another, thus easier to sell it abroad.

Uganda has mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, cultural and religious tourism and Kampala night life, while the Kenya coast has beautiful beaches, marine tourism and historical sites, so both countries can work together without competing to promote tourism.

Dr Sam Ikwaye, executive director of KAHC, emphasised the importance of fostering trust and collaboration among tourism stakeholders, noting the positive impact of familiarization trips and business-to-business engagements facilitated by the conference.

 “The confidence levels among stakeholders have risen, enabling Kenyan and Ugandan operators to develop and exchange tourism packages effectively,” he said.

In the ongoing joint campaign, Kenya and Uganda have an arrangement where tourists arriving in Kenya can go on to visit Uganda on the same visa while using Uganda Airlines as a connecting carrier.

The key partners are Kenya Association of Tour Operators, Kenya Association of Travel Agents, TOSKENYA, KAHC, Kenya Coast Tourist Association, Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Federation, Uganda Tourism Board, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, Uganda Tourism Association, Eyalama Adventures and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda.

The East African market has great tourism potential, with a population of over 200 million, a growing middle class, improved infrastructure and relaxation of travel restrictions.

Kenya remains Uganda’s biggest source market for tourists in the region and second in the world after US, accounting for 32 per cent of total arrivals last year.

Source:  The East African.  

Uganda, Kenya in bid to promote complementary tourism

In Summary

  • The 9th to 21st November conference shall:
  • Strengthen synergies between key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya coastal region;
  • address barriers and challenges to the partnership between Uganda and Kenya Coast.
  • Explore investment opportunities in the tourism sector in Uganda.
  • Allow participants to experience the tourism products in each of the two destinations so that they are better equipped to promote them.

The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is an annual event organized by the Consulate General of Uganda in conjunction with tourism stakeholders in Uganda and the Kenya Coast.

The conference aims to consolidate networks, synergies, and diversity to maximize the tourism potential between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions.

The event includes excursions at the Kenya Coast and a family trip to Uganda, as well as business-to-business sessions to enable participants from both countries to meet and interact.

The expected outcomes of the conference include increased tourist arrivals and investments in the tourism sectors, joint tourism packages, and increased traffic on the Entebbe-Mombasa route operated by Uganda Airlines.

it will also help map/ work out a strategy for joint promotion of trade  between Uganda and Kenya Coast and enhance awareness about the complementarity between the two destinations and the tourism products they offer.

During a media briefing at the Ministry of foregn affairs in kampala,the Commissioner, Human Resource, Ministry of foregn affairs Mr Herbert Kiguuli and the  Consul General of Uganda to Mombasa Ambassador Paul Mukumbya tell the public that the conference shall also  assess the progress made in the cooperation between Uganda and Kenya Coast since the last two conferences.

This will provide a platform for B2B networking, learning and information sharing;and also  equip the key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya coastal region with firsthand experiences of key tourism attractions so that they are in a better position.

Source: Capital Radio

Uncovering the Secrets Behind Dubai’s Thriving Tourism

Dubai continues to thrive as a top tourist destination, outpacing rival Middle Eastern locations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which are also ramping up their tourism infrastructure. From Jan to Jun 2024, Dubai saw at least 9 million international overnight visitors coming into the city, marking a 9% increase in the first half of 2023.

Official data from the local tourism board

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) reveals that this growth trajectory sets Dubai on course for a record year in 2024, potentially surpassing more than 17 million international visitors recorded in 2023. Dubai also saw an increase in hotel capacity with new openings such as The Lana, Dorchester Collection’s first Middle East property, and SIRO One Za’abeel, Dubai’s first fitness hotel. Official data has shown that the city’s hotels maintained a robust average occupancy rate of 78.7%, slightly higher than in the first half of 2023.

Hotel industry performance

Occupied room nights grew by 3%, totalling 21.35 million at the end of the first half of 2024, compared to 20.73 million in the first half of 2023. Additionally, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose to AED558 (US$152), a 4% increase from the same period last year, while Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) climbed 6%, from AED415 (US$113) to AED439.

New attractions a contributing factor

A key attraction contributing to this surge is Real Madrid World at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the world’s first theme park operating under the banner of the Spanish football club, which opened in the first half of the year.

The cruise sector has also played a significant role in boosting tourism. During the 2023/2024 winter season from Oct to Apr, Dubai welcomed over 132 ship calls between Mina Rashid and Dubai Harbour, a number expected to rise. Dubai has also partnered with regional maritime and tourism authorities to form the Cruise Arabia alliance, promoting the Arabian Gulf as a strategic point and premier cruise ship destination globally.

With a solid performance in the first half of 2024 and continuous enhancements in attractions and infrastructure, Dubai is well-positioned to set new tourism records by the end of the year, reinforcing its status as a leading global destination for tourists around the world.

Source:   Tripzilla

Enjoy The Convenience Of One Ticket To Jeddah From Kenya Airways Network.

Travelling to and from the Gulf just got easier with Kenya Airways! KQ has partnered with Saudia Airlines (SV) to facilitate seamless travel for guests looking for a convenient option as they explore Jeddah for leisure or business.

With just one ticket, guests can now travel to Jeddah from Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret and Mogadishu with a connection through Dubai. On the other hand, travelers from Jeddah can fly to Nairobi as well as Accra and Entebe via Nairobi. Travelers from other parts of KQ’s Africa network can also enjoy the same seamless connectivity as this partnership provides a gateway into and out of the Gulf region and serves as a critical connection to Africa for the Gulf. This partnership affirms KQs commitment to connecting people, cultures and markets by providing guests with more connectivity options, itinerary flexibilityand affordable rates.

DET unveils Dubai, A Whole New You campaign.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of its latest campaign, ‘Dubai, A Whole New You’, featuring Saif Ali Khan and Sara Ali Khan across Dubai. The campaign video showcases their dynamic relationship blossoming against the backdrop of Dubai’s landscape.

The duo gets competitive at the Real Madrid World theme park, setting the tone for new adventures that Dubai offers including cruising through the waters in a jet car, dining at Krasota and more. Dubai wins them over, as they discover ‘A Whole New You’ in each other.

The campaign aims to bring families together to unwind and rebond in Dubai. Through unique adventures and exciting experiences, the duo take a break from their everyday hustle to reconnect as a family, coming together to tick off items on their bucket list and revelling in all that the city has to offer. It is a showcase of how Indian families can also foster stronger connections with each other when travelling. 

Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism stated, “As we launch our new campaign, our steadfast focus remains on enriching Dubai’s tourism offerings for Indian families. Dubai offers an array of captivating experiences spanning art, culture, adventure, gastronomy, as well as retail and outdoor attractions that are second to none. Through this campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to setting global benchmarks in tourism, inviting families across the country to create their own cherished moments in the heart of this vibrant destination.”

Saif Ali Khan expressed his delight, saying, “It has been an absolute honour to collaborate with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for their inspiring campaign, ‘Dubai, A Whole New You.’ Watching Sara grow beyond a daughter into a co-artist, and now working with her, has been a special experience. Our busy schedules often leave us with limited occasions to explore and enjoy activities together, so to see Dubai through her eyes was terrific. It was a great opportunity for us to truly soak in the best of Dubai, experience its incredible offerings, and spend quality time together.”

“It was amazing to discover Dubai through my abba’s eyes, and of course to take him to cute, Instagrammable spots. I love family vacations, and this one was particularly special as it allowed me to hang out with my dad and take him on fun adventures. I love setting off on short getaways from India, and Dubai has something new and interesting to offer every time I visit, creating memories that will last a lifetime,” added Sara Ali Khan.

Source:  BW Hotelier.

Africa’s action plan for adventure travel.

Adventure tourism has been a growing niche in the travel industry, with the global market valued at over $450 billion and projected to reach $2.6 trillion by 2033, according to a recent report by Allied Market Research. And although, as Wild Expeditions’ Chris Roche points out, people usually equate adventure travel with kayaking in a North American river or hiking to Machu Picchu, Africa is starting to position itself as a new and different type of adventure tourism destination.

“Adventure is in the eye of the beholder,” said Peter Allison, sales and marketing manager at Natural Selection. He explains that for many people merely touching ground on the African continent is a pulse-raiser. But he adds that Africa is no longer a “one-trick pony” promoting only wildlife experiences.

Kenya is embracing this shift wholeheartedly. The Kenya Tourism Board has established a National Adventure Tourism Products Club, bringing together public- and private-sector stakeholders to package and promote new adventure offerings. June Chepkemei, CEO of the tourism board, said the resilience and growth potential of adventure travel is key in supporting local economies.

In a recent webinar organized by the Africa Travel and Tourism Association, James Savage of Savage Wilderness said Kenya’s diverse adventure portfolio now includes things like paddleboarding with dolphins, camel safaris and even heli-biking on Mount Kenya. The country is also gaining traction as a destination for professional mountain bike racing, with events like the Safari Gravel Race in Naivasha’s Hell’s Gate National Park drawing international competitors.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Western Cape is also making its mark in the adventure space. According to South African Tourism, the province attracted 85% of all adventure tourists visiting the country in 2023. Wesgro, the region’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, commented that the Western Cape is “ideally positioned in the adventure tourism market due to its growing emphasis on sustainability and the promotion of harmony between humans and nature.”

Low-impact thrills

Although the continent has long featured adventure activities such as bungee jumping and whitewater rafting in places like Victoria Falls, Africa is also developing activities “for those seeking a thrill but with fewer bruises,” according to Allison. He mentions activities like exploring the ancient dunes of the Skeleton Coast from Shipwreck Lodge in Namibia, snorkeling under a waterfall at the GweGwe Beach Lodge in South Africa and learning how to make fire with sticks, zebra dung and sand from the bushmen in places like Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Roche agrees, saying there has been a shift from pure adrenaline activities to “soft adventure.” This includes experiences like tracking lions on foot, sleeping out on an island in the Okavango Delta or spending a day immersed in local rural culture. “Travelers want to be able to immerse themselves in local culture and really understand what it’s like to be a rural person in Africa, living with the wildlife and the challenges that brings. We also see an increased demand in destinations like Madagascar and Ethiopia, which offer less typical safari adventures that are far more physically active, more remote, less scripted and just entirely different,” he said.

Spreading the tourism wealth

This reimagining of adventure tourism is having a positive impact on rural communities across Africa.

“The rise of adventure tourism across Southern Africa represents a significant opportunity for sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation,” said Natalia Rosa, project lead with the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance. “By diversifying our tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris, we’re not only attracting a new segment of travelers but also spreading the benefits of tourism to more communities across the SADC region. This shift towards adventure and experiential travel aligns perfectly with our goals of promoting responsible tourism and fostering deeper connections between visitors and our diverse cultures and landscapes.”

Allison said revenue from adventure tourism has enabled Natural Selection to undertake programs that help community development and conservation efforts, programs like the Ele Express in northern Botswana. In a joint effort with local organizations, Natural Selection was able to purchase minibuses to deliver children safely to school, easing the real risk of kids being trampled by elephants on their walk. It is a program that has since been expanded to help transport the elderly as well as pregnant women.

“The impact is not just job creation, it is locals also understanding the importance of tourism and why it has to be protected,” said Nomkhosi Tshabalala, marketing manager for the Kruger Lowveld tourism group in South Africa.

Adventure tourism is “low-hanging fruit” for communities, said Johan Radcliffe of Dirty Boots, a South African tour company. “There are many rural areas that are offering walking tours, kayaking trips and many more such activities. These operations are low in capital set-up fees, and rural areas are the perfect location for activities such as these.”

For Roche, it’s the right time for Africa to focus on diversifying safari product beyond its core construct (game drives with a guide). Why? “Because it provides a mitigation to overtourism in a couple of key locations. Because it will ensure the positive impacts of tourism are felt farther afield and have good outcomes for less well-known ecosystems and species. And because a one-dimensional approach is limited and has an inherent risk to market change,” he said.

Tips for travel advisors

For travel agents looking to tap into this evolving market, adventure specialists in Africa have the following advice:

1. Prioritize safety: Look for operators with a proven safety record, comprehensive insurance and a transparent approach to safety discussions. “Are they proud of their safety record? Are they happy to discuss their measures with you? No cavalier operator will be in business more than a few years,” Natural Selection’s Allison said.

2. Download the right apps: Jessi Sunkel, executive director of the South African Adventure Industry Association, said travel consultants should advise clients to download the Secura Traveller app which offers immediate help wherever they are in South Africa.

3. Verify credentials: Ensure guides have proper certifications and operators have necessary licenses and accreditations and ask for proof, said Sunkel. A great resource is 101 Adventures. This is a list of companies that are complying with high standard regulations created by industry experts. Radcliffe of Dirty Boots emphasizes the importance of checking for proper certifications and insurance. He also recommends agents familiarize themselves with the various adventure tourism associations and governing bodies in each country.

4. Check digital presence: Research an operator’s online presence and reviews for insights into their reputation and safety record, said Kruger Lowveld’s Tshabalala.

5. Stay informed: Use resources like government travel advisories, local news and official tourism websites for the latest information. “An easy start is your government travel advisory, but the problem with those is they throw a blanket over whole nations — saying don’t go to Namibia because there might be yellow fever in neighboring Zambia is akin to blacklisting Alaska because of violence in Mexico,” Allison said. “If you make the effort, local news coverage is a good source – if it’s not panicked you probably don’t need to be either.”

Source: Travel Weekly.  

The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry.

The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry have been brought to the fore at the 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Livingstone.

Taking place from July 22 to 24, the meeting saw the launch of a new set of investment guidelines for the southern African country. The “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Zambia” guidelines highlighted five key competitive advantages offered by the country, including rich natural resources and wildlife, cultural diversity and peace, a strategic location in the heart of Africa, a conducive business environment, and attractive business incentives.

“Investment in Zambia is an increasingly attractive prospect for individuals, businesses and governments seeking opportunities. With its abundant natural resources, favourable business environment and commitment to economic diversification, Zambia offers a range of investment possibilities across various sectors,” said Zambia’s Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba.

The guidelines were compiled through a collaboration between UN Tourism, Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Zambia Development Agency.

Attractive business environment and incentives

In the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business report (now discontinued), Zambia was ranked the eighth-easiest African country to do business in and first for ease of obtaining credit. Investment attractiveness is further strengthened through the country’s 16 investment promotion and protection agreements, which particularly emphasise investments in the tourism sector.

“The country has developed a robust set of frameworks and initiatives, which include tax relaxation measures, incentives and favourable policy schemes, creating a conducive environment for investors.

These efforts have facilitated foreign direct investments (FDIs) and positioned Zambia as an interesting destination where tourism can flourish and thrive,” said Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa.

Between 2018 and 2023, greenfield FDI announcements in the tourism sector totalled US$239.4 million. The investment has poured into the development of new hotels and resorts in Lusaka and tourist hubs such as Livingstone; national parks such as Luangwa and Kafue; adventure tourism offerings such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping; and cultural attractions including museums, cultural centres and cuisine.

The country now features global hotel brands such as Radisson, Anantara, Intercontinental, Sarovar, Marriot, Hilton, Protea, Tsogo Sun and Holiday Inn, amongst others.

“This influx of reputable hotel chains underscores Zambia’s emergence as a premier destination on the international tourism map, offering visitors unparalleled luxury and comfort amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes,” said Sikumba.

The investment guidelines showcase 10 tourism investment opportunities, including lodges and hotels, a golf course, a convention centre and a football stadium. The opportunities are situated in Lusaka, Kasaba Bay, Livingstone, Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park.

Strategic positioning for cross-border trade and tourism

Sharing a border with nine countries, Zambia offers access to a range of regional markets including the Common Market for East and Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area. From a tourism perspective, the location serves as a central hub for multi-destination travel experiences.

In 2022 and 2023, the country improved its destination attractiveness by expanding its visa waiver list to over 100 countries. Advancements in the formalisation of a KAZA Univisa – which will allow single-visa access to the five countries sharing the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (the others being Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe) – are also bolstering the country’s tourism proposition.

Vision to be amongst top five destinations

Building upon the positive trajectory observed in recent years, the country’s economic outlook continues to show promise with projected growth rates of 4.7% in 2024 and 4.8% in 2025, according to national government estimates.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema stressed that government had placed tourism at the heart of economic policies, through strategic documents and programmes such as the 2018-2038 Tourism Master Plan, the eighth National Development Plan and the new investment guidelines.

“The vision for the tourism sector is to ensure that Zambia ranks among the most visited holiday destinations in Africa and is a regional conference hub with a high quality, diversified and sustainable tourism industry that is a major contributor to economic and social well-being,” said Hichilema, stating the aim is to be among the top five tourist destinations of choice in the sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The country welcomed a record 1.39 million international visitors in 2023, exceeding the 2019 figure of 1.26m.

Infrastructure development is set to be further enhanced through the $100m set aside for the Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project in Zambia’s 2024 National Budget. The money has been allocated for the development of tourism infrastructure at Kasaba Bay, Liuwa National Park and the source of the Zambezi River, and the improvement of air and road connectivity to the south-west tourism circuit of Liuwa, SiomaNgwezi, Livingstone and Kafue National Parks. An additional $30m has been earmarked for the development of other infrastructure, marketing, wildlife management and development of new tourism projects.

The investment guidelines highlight that in addition to the centrepiece Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the country boasts 21 national parks and 36 game management areas, playing host to the Big Five and over 1 800 other mammal species. In total, protected areas span 22.4m hectares, representing 30% of the country’s total land mass.

The country is culturally rich, featuring over 70 different tribes, which the investment guidelines state “offers significant potential to introduce innovative products and services that resonate with and benefit local communities while appealing to wider audiences”.

Source:Tourism Update.

Dubai Tourism unveils unique experiences.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has announced the launch of a new set of initiatives aimed at creating unforgettable local experiences for visitors and ensuring repeat visitations.

The end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ set of initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen Dubai’s tourism offerings and build upon the key pillars of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2022-2025.

The revised strategy has set a target of welcoming 25 million visitors annually by 2025, and make Dubai the most visited city in the world.

“While our world-class propositions and experiences showcase the diversity of the destination offerings and provide segment-based preferences for tourists, we are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to curate, create and deliver personalised end-to-end experiences,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Dubai Tourism will develop the end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences with the help of the emirate’s agile and responsive ecosystem, featuring collaborations with partners in creating specialised programmes, activations and authentic one-of-a-kind experiences.

Source: Khaleej Times.

Discover the Beauty and Potential of Eldoret with Kenya Airways

Renowned as the home of champions with beautiful lush highlands, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, Eldoret is now the 44th Kenya Airways destination. Kenya Airways recently relaunched its flight services to and from Eldoret effective March 25th, 2024.

Driven by its mission “To propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets.” Kenya Airways reintroduced its flights to connect Eldoret to the world and the world to Eldoret for tourism, trade, sports and culture. With 6 weekly flights, the schedule is perfect for sportsmen and sportswomen coming to train from abroad who want a seamless connection, for the business community who want to travel to explore opportunities, for students traveling to study, for family and friends traveling as well as tourists who want to explore the regions hidden wonders.

The service was first introduced with 5 weekly flights and in June, Kenya Airways responded to market demand and increased the flights to 6 weekly flights to provide customers with flexible travel options. The flights also offer seamless connectivity for international travel to and from other KQ destinations across the world. Guests travelling to and from Eldoret will also be eligible to earn Asante Reward points every time they fly with Kenya Airways.

New Schedule:

Food Tourism is Dubai’s Next Sector to Watch, Here’s Why

Dubai is more than just big malls and shiny hotels, and its maturing restaurant sector proves that.

Earlier this month, the third edition of Dubai’s Michelin Guide was announced, a lavish, government-sponsored affair constructed to show the world Dubai means business when it comes to food. It was held at the One&Only One Za’abeel — a government-owned five-star hotel.

In fact, the entirety of Michelin in Dubai is effectively a government project. Dubai Tourism brought the Michelin Guide to the city in 2022 as the emirate sought to tap into gastronomic tourism for the first time.

For this year’s Guide, 106 restaurants made the list, with 15 having one-star distinctions and four restaurants given two stars. Dubai is yet to have its first three Michelin-star restaurant.

These 106 restaurants now serve as neat marketing tools for Dubai Tourism as it looks for new ways to pull travelers into the city.

In the UNWTO’s Second Global Report on Gastronomy Tourism, it suggested that food tourism should be placed “as a horizontal layer of … destination marketing and product development strategies instead of a vertical one.” Ideally, the report suggests that food experiences should be integrated within other experiences, and not “treat[ed] as a standalone product.”

Globally, Skift data In 2019 showed 98% of US respondents traveled for food, 42% of those did so for food as the main purpose of their trips.

Gastronomic tourism is one of Dubai’s newest branches of travel, and one the city is immensely focused on nailing. For years, luxury hotels and high-end shopping got all the attention of travelers. Dubai restaurants have recently been featured on Netflix as well.

Dubai boasts around 13,000 restaurants, and this year was declared by Time Out as the ninth-best city in the world for eating. Dubai Tourism’s own Gastronomy Report puts Dubai as the global capital of food (obviously) but the data set was 2,000 people already living in Dubai.

A Different Marketing Approach

Importantly, while Michelin itself tends to shine a light on high-end venues, Dubai’s focus on gastronomic tourism as a whole shows the city maturing and moving away from its reliance on promoting only luxury hotels and malls to tourists.

In the words of tourism CEO Issam Kazim, “Dubai is a victim of its own success.” The emirate pushed hard in the 2000s and early 2010s to build some of the most spectacular modern monuments in the world: The Burj Al Arab, the Burj Khalifa, and the Atlantis to name a few.

At Skift India Summit 2024, Kazim said: “We are a victim of our own success to a degree. The Burj Al Arab made us a sought-after destination, but people thought they couldn’t afford it. Yes, Dubai caters to high-end, but that doesn’t mean we don’t cater to all budgets.”

However, these locations led many to label Dubai as an unaffordable, overly-luxurious destination. In 2024, a wave of hip, new restaurants are changing the face of the city, showing tourists and locals the culture without breaking the bank.

Local restaurant company EATX is one such firm looking to showcase Dubai through its food spots. EATX Chief Operating Officer Nick Comaty told Skift: “I used to work in Miami, in New York and in Europe for a bit, but I think Dubai is the most competitive in terms of restaurants.”

“A lot of people who aren’t familiar with Dubai or moving here for the first time or visiting for the first time just have a surface-level idea but restaurants now are a lot more nuanced. Dubai itself is a multi-ethnic city. A few years ago, many people would just go to the malls in Dubai and think they’ve done everything. Now, restaurants are adding in so many new experiences into the city.”

A “Vegas Flair” in Dubai

According to Comaty, Dubai is a mixture of many major US cities when it comes to its food scene, including the “Vegas flair” you may find on the Strip.

He said: “Food is a driver for Dubai nowadays, people come here for the restaurants. It’s a mix of New York, Miami, and Vegas. Dubai has that fast pace, it has things happening all the time like New York; then it has the beaches of Miami; and then there’s that Vegas flair in terms of entertainment.”

A New Image

Comaty reflected: “In many ways, Dubai is already a gastronomic tourism destination. Dubai is in the top ten globally when it comes to dining. Hopefully one day it will be top three.”

“Dubai has multiple layers and that’s what people need to know. It’s not only the bling bling city. The rapid maturing of restaurants is helping change that image.”

Source: Skift.