فهرست مطالب
Strong growth in the GCC hospitality industry in 2024
Booth Media – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is set to witness significant growth in the hospitality sector in 2024, according to a new STR report on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) . This growth is accompanied by a 5.4% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) , largely driven by an improvement in hotel occupancy rates to 69.5% – above pre-pandemic levels.
Government initiatives: the driving force behind tourism development
Two key government initiatives in the region have played a fundamental role in this transformation:
- Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 focuses on economic diversification and infrastructure development.
- The UAE’s “We Emirates 2031” campaign
to enhance the tourism experience. These programs have not only strengthened the region’s appeal as a global tourism hub, but have also contributed significantly to increasing hotel occupancy rates and the GCC’s competitiveness.
Luxury hotels: Leading the industry’s growth
The luxury hotel sector is recognized as a key driver of growth in the GCC:
- 2.4% growth in the average daily rate (ADR) in the region.
- 19% of GCC hotel rooms are in the luxury category (a 16% increase over the last decade).
- The sector’s share is expected to increase further with the development of 33,000 new luxury rooms in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi International Travel Exhibition (ATM 2025) , which will be held in Dubai from April 28 to May 1, is a platform to showcase the latest developments in the industry:
- The presence of leading brands such as Four Seasons , Mandarin Oriental , IHG Hotels & Resorts , and Jumeirah International .
- Specialized panels featuring experts such as Haitham Matar (CEO of IHG Middle East) and Sarah Dugnan (Director of STR).
- Exploring key topics such as “redefining hospitality” and the impact of aviation on industry growth.
The Future of GCC Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges
“Demand for luxury travel is on the rise and the GCC will cement its position as a top global destination by investing in unique experiences,” emphasizes Daniel Curtis , Exhibition Director of ATM Middle East.
Leading brands in ATM 2025:
- Luxury Hotels: Kempinski, The Peninsula Hotels, Address Hotels + Resorts
- Hotel companies: Hilton Worldwide, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Kerzner International
Conclusion:
With the theme “World Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism through Advanced Connectivity”, ATM 2025 provides a unique opportunity to network, discover innovations and collaborate with key players in the travel industry. With a combination of government initiatives, luxury hotel developments and international events, the GCC region has a bright future in the global tourism industry.
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