Hotel occupancy rates down

Hotel occupancy rates in Dubai fell to 84.9 percent in November 2008, down from 90 percent in November 2007, according to figures released by STR Global.

The drop is due to a combination of factors such as a weak pound, an influx of new hotels, and the global economic crisis.

Nevertheless Dubai still recorded the highest occupancy rates in the world and the highest average room rates ($361 compared with New York at $295 and Paris at $204).

Many in the hotel industry are disputing the accuracy of the figures, claiming the drop in occupancy rates is much higher.

Data released earlier this month by the Dubai Department of Tourism for the 3rd quarter of 2008 revealed occupancy rates of 75.2 percent, compared to 83.1 percent in 2007.