Visitor Economy
Weight 35.0%
- At 2026-09
- 101.6Observed 102.70.0 vs reference
- At horizon 2027-12
- 121.10.0 vs reference
Scenario builder
Test a what-if: switch a shock on, scale an instrument, or nudge an indicator, and the chart and figures below recompute. Start from the demo scenario to see one worked example.
Tourism Performance Index. Latest observed month 2026-09, horizon 2027-12. A refused value is reported and the last accepted run stays on screen.
Data status: illustrative placeholder. Parameter version 0.7.0, engine 0.4.0.
New here? Demo: air access shock and recovery sets a few controls so the builder has something to show.
Against the reference run
Up to date.
Headline at 2026-09102.90.0 vs reference
Gap to target at 2026-09, with your adjustments-4.1was -4.1, 0.0 vs reference
Headline at horizon 2027-12121.10.0 vs reference
Gap to target at horizon 2027-12, with your adjustments+9.9was +9.9, 0.0 vs reference
Policy lift at horizon 2027-12+7.9was +7.9, 0.0 vs reference
- Visitor Economy
- At 2026-09
- 101.6 0.0
- At horizon 2027-12
- 121.1 0.0
- Attractions, Culture & Events
- At 2026-09
- 110.9 0.0
- At horizon 2027-12
- 148.0 0.0
- Access & Market Position
- At 2026-09
- 103.7 0.0
- At horizon 2027-12
- 120.9 0.0
- Visitor Experience
- At 2026-09
- 98.7 0.0
- At horizon 2027-12
- 113.8 0.0
- Resilience & Balance
- At 2026-09
- 97.9 0.0
- At horizon 2027-12
- 94.3 0.0
Headline by pathway under this scenario
Months shown
Pillars
Index gap to target, with your adjustments -4.1, behind
Attractions, Culture & Events
Weight 20.0%
- At 2026-09
- 110.9Observed 117.10.0 vs reference
- At horizon 2027-12
- 148.00.0 vs reference
Access & Market Position
Weight 20.0%
- At 2026-09
- 103.7Observed 107.10.0 vs reference
- At horizon 2027-12
- 120.90.0 vs reference
Visitor Experience
Weight 12.0%
- At 2026-09
- 98.7Observed 101.50.0 vs reference
- At horizon 2027-12
- 113.80.0 vs reference
Resilience & Balance
Weight 13.0%
- At 2026-09
- 97.9Observed 96.50.0 vs reference
- At horizon 2027-12
- 94.30.0 vs reference
Candidates
Catalogue demo-1.0.0, parameters 0.7.0, engine 0.4.0. Up to date.
Expected effect is the headline at the horizon with the instrument on, less with it off.
Candidates
20 instruments, sorted on expected effect, highest first.
| in force / planned | weeks | low / medium / high | A / B / C | government / partner / private | index points at the horizon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source-market campaigns | Marketing & promotion | Intl demand | In forceScale-up option | 8 weeks | High cost | Benchmarked (B) | Government | +2.49 |
| Travel trade programme | Marketing & promotion | Intl demand | PlannedAlready in the plan | 12 weeks | Medium cost | Benchmarked (B) | Partner | +1.67 |
| Route development incentive | Air & cruise access | Access | In forceScale-up option | 26 weeks | High cost | Observed (A) | Government | +1.62 |
| Events calendar build-out | Events & festivals | Events | PlannedAlready in the plan | 26 weeks | High cost | Benchmarked (B) | Partner | +1.14 |
| Cruise call incentive | Air & cruise access | Access | PlannedAlready in the plan | 39 weeks | Medium cost | Benchmarked (B) | Government | +1.09 |
| Digital visitor guide | Visitor experience | Experience | PlannedAlready in the plan | 26 weeks | Medium cost | Assumed (C) | Government | +0.77 |
| Museum programming | Culture & heritage programming | Experience | In forceScale-up option | 26 weeks | Medium cost | Observed (A) | Government | +0.77 |
| Cultural festivals programme | Events & festivals | Events | PlannedAlready in the plan | 26 weeks | Medium cost | Benchmarked (B) | Government | +0.76 |
| Business events bid support | Events & festivals | Events | In forceScale-up option | 26 weeks | Medium cost | Observed (A) | Government | +0.74 |
| Destination brand refresh | Marketing & promotion | Perception | PlannedAlready in the plan | 26 weeks | Medium cost | Assumed (C) | Government | +0.65 |
| Cultural district shuttles | Air & cruise access | Experience | PlannedAlready in the plan | 13 weeks | Low cost | Assumed (C) | Partner | +0.39 |
| Frontline host training | Visitor experience | Experience | PlannedAlready in the plan | 26 weeks | Low cost | Benchmarked (B) | Partner | +0.39 |
| Service quality standards | Visitor experience | Experience | In forceScale-up option | 13 weeks | Low cost | Benchmarked (B) | Partner | +0.38 |
| Event permit streamlining | Regulation & licensing | Events | PlannedAlready in the plan | 26 weeks | Low cost | Benchmarked (B) | Government | +0.38 |
| Visa facilitation | Air & cruise access | Access | PlannedAlready in the plan | 52 weeks | Low cost | Benchmarked (B) | Government | +0.27 |
| Staycation offers | Marketing & promotion | Domestic demand | In forceScale-up option | 4 weeks | Low cost | Benchmarked (B) | Partner | +0.16 |
| Attraction investment facility | Hotel & attraction supply | Supply | PlannedAlready in the plan | 78 weeks | High cost | Assumed (C) | Partner | +0.15 |
| Hotel development incentive | Hotel & attraction supply | Supply | In forceScale-up option | 104 weeks | High cost | Benchmarked (B) | Private sector | +0.15 |
| Operator licence simplification | Regulation & licensing | Supply | PlannedAlready in the plan | 26 weeks | Low cost | Assumed (C) | Government | +0.10 |
| Holiday homes scheme | Hotel & attraction supply | Supply | In forceScale-up option | 13 weeks | Low cost | Benchmarked (B) | Private sector | +0.10 |
Leading candidates
Source-market campaigns
Tier BMarketing & promotionIn forceScale-up option
Paid media in priority overseas markets to lift visitor demand.
Chain
Intl demand -> Visitor Economy: Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call), Real spend per visitor night; Attractions, Culture & Events: MICE delegates, Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums), Event attendance; Access & Market Position: Cruise calls, Load factor, Share of UAE hotel guests, Destinations served; Visitor Experience: Visitor overall satisfaction, Social net sentiment; Resilience & Balance: Source-market concentration (HHI)
The driver is not in shortfall.
Expected effect
+2.49 index points at month 60; cumulative 26.2 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 48, peak month 54.
By quarter: +0.40, +1.70, +2.53, +2.44, +2.49.
Delivery
Government, high cost, lead time 8 weeks. Evidence tier B: Benchmarked from comparable destinations or a published evaluation.
Travel trade programme
Tier BMarketing & promotionPlannedAlready in the plan
Joint marketing and training with tour operators and agents.
Chain
Intl demand -> Visitor Economy: Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call), Real spend per visitor night; Attractions, Culture & Events: MICE delegates, Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums), Event attendance; Access & Market Position: Cruise calls, Load factor, Share of UAE hotel guests, Destinations served; Visitor Experience: Visitor overall satisfaction, Social net sentiment; Resilience & Balance: Source-market concentration (HHI)
The driver is not in shortfall.
Expected effect
+1.67 index points at month 60; cumulative 15.9 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 49, peak month 55.
By quarter: 0.00, +0.85, +1.70, +1.64, +1.67.
Delivery
Partner, medium cost, lead time 12 weeks. Evidence tier B: Benchmarked from comparable destinations or a published evaluation.
Route development incentive
Tier AAir & cruise accessIn forceScale-up option
Time-limited support for new direct airline routes.
Chain
Access -> Visitor Economy: Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call), Real spend per visitor night; Attractions, Culture & Events: MICE delegates, Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums), Event attendance; Access & Market Position: Destinations served, Cruise calls, Load factor, Share of UAE hotel guests; Visitor Experience: Visitor overall satisfaction, Social net sentiment; Resilience & Balance: Regional dispersion (outside AD city)
The driver is not in shortfall.
Expected effect
+1.62 index points at month 60; cumulative 10.5 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 52, peak month 58.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, +0.83, +1.59, +1.62.
Delivery
Government, high cost, lead time 26 weeks. Evidence tier A: Estimated from observed data or an evaluated intervention.
Events calendar build-out
Tier BEvents & festivalsPlannedAlready in the plan
More major events in the low-season months.
Chain
Events -> Visitor Economy: Real spend per visitor night, Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call); Attractions, Culture & Events: Event attendance, MICE delegates, Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums); Access & Market Position: Share of UAE hotel guests, Load factor; Visitor Experience: Social net sentiment, Visitor overall satisfaction; Resilience & Balance: Regional dispersion (outside AD city)
The driver is not in shortfall.
Expected effect
+1.14 index points at month 60; cumulative 7.5 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 52, peak month 58.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, +0.60, +1.12, +1.14.
Delivery
Partner, high cost, lead time 26 weeks. Evidence tier B: Benchmarked from comparable destinations or a published evaluation.
Cruise call incentive
Tier BAir & cruise accessPlannedAlready in the plan
Port and passenger fee relief for new cruise calls.
Chain
Access -> Visitor Economy: Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call), Real spend per visitor night; Attractions, Culture & Events: MICE delegates, Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums), Event attendance; Access & Market Position: Destinations served, Cruise calls, Load factor, Share of UAE hotel guests; Visitor Experience: Visitor overall satisfaction, Social net sentiment; Resilience & Balance: Regional dispersion (outside AD city)
The driver is not in shortfall.
Expected effect
+1.09 index points at month 60; cumulative 3.8 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 55, peak month 61.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, +0.53, +1.09.
Delivery
Government, medium cost, lead time 39 weeks. Evidence tier B: Benchmarked from comparable destinations or a published evaluation.
Digital visitor guide
Tier CVisitor experiencePlannedAlready in the plan
One app and web guide with booking and wayfinding.
Chain
Experience -> Visitor Economy: Real spend per visitor night, Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call); Attractions, Culture & Events: Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums), Event attendance, MICE delegates; Access & Market Position: Share of UAE hotel guests; Visitor Experience: Visitor overall satisfaction, Social net sentiment
The driver is not in shortfall.
Expected effect
+0.77 index points at month 60; cumulative 5.0 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 52, peak month 58.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, +0.39, +0.76, +0.77.
Delivery
Government, medium cost, lead time 26 weeks. Evidence tier C: Assumed, pending evidence.
Museum programming
Tier ACulture & heritage programmingIn forceScale-up option
Exhibitions and learning programmes at the district museums.
Chain
Experience -> Visitor Economy: Real spend per visitor night, Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call); Attractions, Culture & Events: Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums), Event attendance, MICE delegates; Access & Market Position: Share of UAE hotel guests; Visitor Experience: Visitor overall satisfaction, Social net sentiment
The driver is not in shortfall. Also serves the other index; the two effects are never summed.
Expected effect
+0.77 index points at month 60; cumulative 5.0 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 52, peak month 58.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, +0.39, +0.75, +0.77.
Delivery
Government, medium cost, lead time 26 weeks. Evidence tier A: Estimated from observed data or an evaluated intervention.
Cultural festivals programme
Tier BEvents & festivalsPlannedAlready in the plan
Expanded festivals across heritage sites and districts.
Chain
Events -> Visitor Economy: Real spend per visitor night, Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call); Attractions, Culture & Events: Event attendance, MICE delegates, Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums); Access & Market Position: Share of UAE hotel guests, Load factor; Visitor Experience: Social net sentiment, Visitor overall satisfaction; Resilience & Balance: Regional dispersion (outside AD city)
The driver is not in shortfall. Also serves the other index; the two effects are never summed.
Expected effect
+0.76 index points at month 60; cumulative 5.0 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 52, peak month 58.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, +0.40, +0.74, +0.76.
Delivery
Government, medium cost, lead time 26 weeks. Evidence tier B: Benchmarked from comparable destinations or a published evaluation.
Business events bid support
Tier AEvents & festivalsIn forceScale-up option
Bid funding and delegate support to win conferences.
Chain
Events -> Visitor Economy: Real spend per visitor night, Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call); Attractions, Culture & Events: Event attendance, MICE delegates, Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums); Access & Market Position: Share of UAE hotel guests, Load factor; Visitor Experience: Social net sentiment, Visitor overall satisfaction; Resilience & Balance: Regional dispersion (outside AD city)
The driver is not in shortfall.
Expected effect
+0.74 index points at month 60; cumulative 4.9 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 52, peak month 58.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, +0.39, +0.73, +0.74.
Delivery
Government, medium cost, lead time 26 weeks. Evidence tier A: Estimated from observed data or an evaluated intervention.
Destination brand refresh
Tier CMarketing & promotionPlannedAlready in the plan
Refreshed brand story and content for global audiences.
Chain
Perception -> Visitor Economy: Total visitors (overnight and same-day, incl. cruise port-of-call), Real spend per visitor night; Attractions, Culture & Events: Cultural and attraction footfall (heritage sites and Saadiyat museums), MICE delegates, Event attendance; Access & Market Position: Share of UAE hotel guests, Cruise calls, Load factor; Visitor Experience: Social net sentiment, Visitor overall satisfaction
The driver is not in shortfall. Also serves the other index; the two effects are never summed.
Expected effect
+0.65 index points at month 60; cumulative 4.3 point-months. Starts month 46, first effect month 52, peak month 58.
By quarter: 0.00, 0.00, +0.34, +0.64, +0.65.
Delivery
Government, medium cost, lead time 26 weeks. Evidence tier C: Assumed, pending evidence.