Dubai 'to reach tourism targets'

The Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing department has announced that the emirate is "well on track" to achieve a target of 15 million tourists per year by 2015.

According to the organisation, the number of new developments that are emerging in Dubai ensures that the destination will continue to attract visitors for many years to come.

The United Arab Emirates hotspot recently hosted the Arabian Travel Market 2008, which saw record visitor numbers and showcased the range of new developments and investments that will support the tourism industry in the future.

Ian Scott, director of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing's UK and Ireland office, said: "Dubai is a destination where you can expect the best; known for its ground-breaking projects the emirate continues to expand its globally acclaimed leisure and business facilities of superlative quality."

During 2007, there were 452 hotels and apartments in Dubai and this number is set to grow over the coming years as new developments begin welcoming guests.

One of the biggest new tourist attractions in the emirate over the coming years will be Dubailand, which will house 24 theme parks and, at twice the size of Walt Disney World in Florida, will be one of the world's largest leisure attractions.

Its main highlights will include Legoland, Dubai Sports City, a Universal Studios theme park and a Marvel Entertainment park.

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