World Tourism Organization figures show that domestic tourism in the UAE grew 31% in the first six months of this year compared to 11% over the last three years.  Deputy General Manager at Al Rais Travel attributed the increase to a rise in the number of inbound tourists to Dubai.   Mohammad Al Rais said Arab families are choosing to visit because the hotel and airline offers are irresistible.  He said that “Hotel rates have gone down by 40 per cent with special offers for kids and of hotel guest” and airlines have provided equally attractive offers. 

Mr. Rais said there has been a 30% increase in the number of Kuwaiti families booking with his company. He said Arab families used to travel to Europe or South East Asian countries because airfares were about Dh2,000, but “Now the situation is different. It has become economical to be in Dubai and the GCC for the holidays.”