DUBAI tourism is set to increase in the next four years, with 20 million estimated international tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates city by 2020.

Dubai has seen an impressive increase of tourists flocking to the emirate in recent years and the numbers are set to surge even higher as the UAE city strives to become more tourist friendly.

Tourists bosses estimate that a whopping 20 million international tourists will visit Dubai by 2020

The soaring figures come as new tourist destinations open up, the government pumps in more support and tourists are made exempt from value-added tax.

Dubai Tourism says the emirate is on track to achieve its target, as it recorded 15.8 million overnight visitors in 2017 - a 6.2 per cent increase from 2016 - and 4.7 million international overnight visitors were recorded in the first quarter of 2018 – a 2 per cent rise from the same period last year.

The UAE hospitality market is expected to reach $7.6 billion (£5.8 billion) by 2022, up from €5.1 billion (£3.9 million) in 2017.

Airbnb rates are also soaring in the UAE, with revenues surging by 421 per cent in Dubai between August 2015 and August 2017, according to a report by Chesterton's MENA.

“Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have well-defined strategies to develop themselves as preferred travel destinations,” Sameena Ahmad, managing director at investment bank Alpen Capital, told Middle East news site Al Bawaba.

“They are making significant investments into the development of tourism and hospitality infrastructure, including airport expansions to increase the handling capacity of anticipated visitor inflow.”

Big events - such as the Expo 2020 Dubai - and government initiatives to boost tourism are the primary drivers behind growth. 

Tourism-friendly endeavours in Dubai include indoor amusement park IMG Worlds of Adventure, theme park Dubai Parks and Resorts and architectural landmark Dubai Frame. 

Food and beverage businesses are also starting to offer better value from a consumer perspective.

Dubai tourism site Visit Dubai has outlined the emirate’s tourism vision for 2020: “Tourism is a central pillar of Dubai’s economic growth and diversification. 

“The Tourism Vision for 2020 will further leverage the sector by broadening Dubai’s offering across events, attractions, infrastructure, services, and packages. 

“Part of this strategy involves adapting a marketing approach to showcase Dubai to a wider audience and increasing awareness and conversion of flight and hotel bookings.”

Last month Dubai slashed municipality fees at hotels and restaurants and UAE capital Abu Dhabi reduced tourism fees. 

The lowering in fees comes as part of a drive to encourage tourism and investment in tourism.

Tourism is one of Abu Dhabi's fastest growing sectors, and the capital has recently opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros World and Al Hudayriat Island.

The number of hotel guests staying in Abu Dhabi has increased dramatically this year. 

Saif Saeed Ghobash, undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are making good progress in attracting more people to explore our emirate, as we make sure awareness of our touristic and cultural proposition is communicated effectively and efficiently to our global markets.

“We are pleased to be so far on track to beat 2017’s numbers, but we are well aware that challenges are ever present, as we bid to boost the Abu Dhabi economy and support our drive for economic diversification.”

Last month Dubai introduced transit visas for tourists, enabling holidaymakers to stay for two days for free when travelling through the airport. 

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Sunday Express on Saturday July 28th, 2018 http://bit.ly/Dubai20millionTourists