The United Arab Emirates has taken the lead as the highest-revenue international market within the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), according to results shared for the first half of 2025. The Emirates topped the list for revenues generated by international visitors who are members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, ahead of other key global markets such as Thailand, Spain, Singapore, and Italy.

Alongside this achievement, the UAE was also ranked among the top international markets in terms of total hotel nights booked by global travelers—a clear indication of the country’s continued strength in the hospitality sector.

GHA revealed that its loyalty membership has reached a new milestone, with 30.9 million members enrolled in the DISCOVERY program by the end of June 2025. During the same period, loyalty members contributed $1.5 billion in global hotel revenues (equivalent to AED 5.5 billion), reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth compared to the first half of 2024.

The data also shows that the United States remains the top source market for international stays, with U.S.-based members accounting for 15% of all global room revenue within the alliance. The UK ranked second, followed by Germany, China, and Australia.

The Global Hotel Alliance is the largest alliance of independent hotel brands in the world, currently representing 45 hotel brands and a total of 850 properties across 100 countries.

The UAE’s strong performance within the alliance is a direct reflection of its growing appeal as a premier global destination for both leisure and business travel. With world-class infrastructure, luxury experiences, and a consistent focus on hospitality excellence, the country continues to set itself apart in a highly competitive global tourism market.