Saudi Arabia’s positive investment market outlook
The ambitious goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy are supported by more than USD 1 trillion worth of real estate and infrastructural developments, including 315,000 hotel keys. In the next four to five years, the number of hotel keys is likely to almost double to around 200,000, with at least half of the proposed supply becoming operational by 2028 and some existing properties leaving the market to make room for new, more desirable and competitive hotels and resorts.
Shaping the future of travel with data and behavioral science
Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, managing director of Amadeus Gulf, knows a thing or two about global trends and how to leverage them for growth in an ever-changing industry. Here, he unlocks the ways data and behavioral are going to impact the future of travel.
Qatar simplifies its tourist visa procedures with revamped Hayya Platform
Qatar Tourism has revamped its Hayya Platform, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offering.
Four Saudi cities rank high on the IMD Smart City Index 2023
Riyadh has maintained its position as the third Arab city in the IMD Smart City Index (SCI) 2023, which saw the Saudi cities of Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah included in the observatory for the first time, ranking 4th, 5th and 7th respectively.
An exclusive talk with Berthold Trenkel – the maestro behind Qatar Vision 2030
Berthold Trenkel, COO of Qatar Tourism, has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry. As a transformational leader spearheading Qatar’s operational and implementation strategy, he provides insights on what the future holds for Qatar and reflects on the overall impact of the 2022 World Cup on the country.
Middle East and Africa region set to return to pre-pandemic levels of business travel spend by 2024
According to Business Travel Index Outlook annual forecast and outlook (2022), the business travel segment in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is recovering more rapidly than in any other region. MEA business travel achieved 86 percent of its 2019 levels during 2022, outperforming the recovery in Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.
Bahrain: the ultimate escape destination
Hala Matar Choufany, president for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia at HVS, defines Bahrain’s hospitality scene and details what makes it the ultimate tourism destination.
International travel: what to expect in 2023
The pandemic taught us that nothing should be taken for granted. And, with most countries having now lifted all Covid-19-related restrictions, the vast majority of people are keen to once again make travel an important part of their lives, albeit in a year of no-normal, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, explains.
Morocco: more than meets the eye
With its unique culture, landscapes and culinary riches, Morocco is among the world’s most enchanting countries. Hala Matar Choufany, president for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia at HVS, describes the hospitality scene in the North African jewel and what makes it such an intriguing tourism destination.
Egypt on the rise
Egypt’s hospitality market has seen robust growth across the sector driven by the rapid tourism recovery post-pandemic, primarily bolstered by government and private sector economic initiatives, including, but not limited to, the establishment of new reforms and the development of new hospitality products/demand generators. These initiatives, along with strong domestic demand, supported a healthy market recovery. HVS forecasts that the opening of The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) later this year will further induce demand to benefit the hospitality industry across the country. We learn more with Ahmad Yousry Elbeheiry MRICS, associate director of HVS Middle East & Africa.