The introduction of new flights between Brazil and Dubai has boosted visitor numbers in the emirate, it has been revealed.

According to the region's tourism and commerce marketing department, Dubai is likely to attract about 20,000 Brazilian holidaymakers this year.

Hamad Mohammed bin Meiren, head of the department, stated that this is about twice the amount recorded in 2007.

Speaking to ANBA, he said Dubai's growing popularity with Brazilian tourists is largely due to the introduction of new flights between the two locations.

Mr Meiren commented: "We are glad to see more Brazilians there and word-of-mouth advertisement has many people wanting to get to know Dubai."

This will be a positive development for owners of rental accommodation in Dubai, as it means their services are likely to be in greater demand over the next few months.

As a result, the emirate could be a good location for prospective buy-to-let investors to consider.

According to official government figures, Dubai attracted more than six million holidaymakers in 2007.

Tourism was said to account for about 18 per cent of its gross domestic product during this period.