Visitors to heritage sites increase 16%

Dubai recorded a 16-per cent increase in the number of visitors to heritage sites in 2008 compared with the previous year, according to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

The heritage sites operated by DTCM received 1,009,848 visitors last year, up from 873,831 recorded in 2007, the tourism body said yesterday.

While Emiratis topped the list with 24,206 visitors followed by Indians with 10,635, German visitors numbered 8,213 followed by UK nationals with 6,959, DTCM said.

The heritage sites under DTCM's supervision are Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Dubai Museum, Al Ahmadiah School, Heritage House, Heritage Village, Diving Village, Umm Al Shief Majlis, Naif Museum and Hatta Heritage Village.

Abdullah Al Mutairi, DTCM Consultant and Director of Heritage said the rise in number of visitors is due to to aggressive promotional and marketing agenda by the department.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.