16/08/2011 | C. Martin
In a sign of post-recession tourism sector revival in the UAE, visitors to the country spent a fifth more on their Visa cards last year than in 2009.
The growing popularity of all-inclusive and luxury holidays in the UAE was indicated by the fact that British card holders were the biggest spenders there, forking out $441.2 million - an increase of 9.8% from the previous year.
According to the payments company, the total amount charged on Visa cards by international visitors to the country was 20.3% higher at $3.1 billion.
Travellers from the US splashed out the second highest amount, at $301.9 million - 0.3% higher than in 2009 - followed by Visa card holders from Russia who spent $238.1 million.
Saudi Arabian visitors increased their spending by 28.6% to $146.1 million in 2010, Visa said.
Kamran Siddiqi, Visa Middle East general manager stated: "We're seeing a really positive sign that things are on the up and, with the country expected to see some of the world's strongest inbound tourism growth over the next five years, the travel and tourism industry is set to enjoy a further cash boost from international visitors."
Copyright Press Association 2011