Hot on the heels of hosting the incredibly successful World Travel Awards in May when it was voted “Middle East’s Leading Destination”, Dubai has reported that its hotel industry has enjoyed strong growth for the first quarter of 2011.

Visitor figures were up 13.6 per cent to 2.38 million and guest nights rose an impressive 35.4 per cent, according to the latest figures published by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

This upward trend is expected to continue throughout the rest of 2011 and will be underpinned by a host of new hotel openings. For example, The Palm Jumeirah is set to witness the opening of another five star property - Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, which is scheduled to welcome its first guests on 1 July.

(Pop sensation Elissar Zakaria Khoury headlined the World Travel Awards 2011 Middle East Ceremony)

The Hilton group is launching both the Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence, located on Jumeirah Beach’s golden mile and the DoubleTree by Hilton.

In addition, Rotana, voted “Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand” by World Travel Awards, will also be welcoming guests to two new hotels by the autumn. The five-star Al Khor Rayhaan and the deluxe hotel apartments Al Khor Arjaan are both situated in the heart of Deira. The properties come complete with cutting edge technology and guests have access to the luxurious Zen the Spa, swimming pools and fitness centres.

(Jumeirah’s Burj al Arab has been voted “World’s Leading Hotel” by World Travel Awards for the past six years running)

Growth in Dubai’s hotel sector was also reflected by the increase in the number of hotel rooms, which rose from 64,143 in the first quarter of 2010, to 72,419 in 2011. Occupancy rates actually increased during this period too, up by 3.7 per cent.

Jumeirah in particular is enjoying a buoyant quarter. The Dubai-based luxury hospitality brand said occupancy at its hotels in Dubai averaged 85 per cent in the first four months of this year, with revenue per available room, a key industry indicator, growing more than 7 per cent compared with the same period last year.

(Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group being interviewed by Breaking Travel News at WTTC 2011 Global Travel & Tourism Summit)

Burj Al Arab’s occupancy rose 5 per cent. Revenue per available room increased 12 per cent at the Madinat Jumeirah resort, boosted by a 10 per cent increase in its average room rate.

Jumeirah’s Burj al Arab, which was named “World’s Leading Hotel” at the World Travel Awards. For an exclusive glimpse inside this iconic property visit www.virtual-burjalarab.com.

Dubai reigns at World Travel Awards
The industry’s elite – including CEOs of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs – attended the glittering World Travel Awards 2011 Middle East Ceremony, which was headlined by Lebanese pop sensation, Elissa.

The Armani Hotel Dubai offered guests the opportunity to sample the ultimate in hospitality lifestyle, amid the magnificent setting of Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world.

(Armani Hotel Dubai played host to World Travel Awards)

Hailed as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry”, World Travel Awards is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, and celebrates those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence.

More than 462 organisations across the Middle East, spanning more than 125 categories entered the competition.

Meanwhile, Dubai’s miraculous rebound coupled with its insatiable eye for invention led to the emirate being voted “Middle East’s Leading Destination” as well as “Middle East’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination”.