Firms foundations and strong fundamentals
Robust project pipelines, strong sentiment and long-term growth strategies look set to continue driving a sound recovery across the region, although financing and construction headwinds remain disruptive forces in the market. Amr El Nady, head of hotels and hospitality MEA and executive vice president, Global Hotel Desk – JLL, charts the hospitality investment landscape, while also highlighting new market opportunities.
Saudi Public Investment Fund launches Asfar to boost the hospitality and tourism sector
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced the establishment of the Saudi Tourism Investment Company Asfar to support the growth of the country’s tourism sector.
Navigating the Middle East’s skies with Kashif Khalid
We caught up with Kashif Khalid, IATA’s regional director for the Middle East and Africa, to discuss everything related to travel.
A bright new era for regional tourism
The Middle East’s hospitality sector is currently witnessing a remarkable upsurge, with significant growth and extensive development under way in travel, tourism and hotel construction. This expansion has been propelled by several factors, including ambitious infrastructure projects, strategic investments and a sharpened focus among key players on developing the sector.
Official launching of Lebanon’s culinary nation branding promotional campaign to support Agrifood Export
During a press conference on June 15 at the Smallville hotel, the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade and Fair-Trade Lebanon, in partnership with the Department of States’ Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and under the auspice of BIEEL project announced the launching of Lebanon’s culinary nation branding promotional campaign aimed to support Lebanese agrifood exports.
Oman: a unique gem in the GCC
Justin Kenny, consultant at Colliers for the Hotels MENA Region, explains how the sultanate is carving its own identity as an attractive destination with a diverse offering, despite tough competition from its neighbors.
AZULIK AlUla Resort set to open in KSA by 2027
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will develop a new resort within the Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan, designed in harmony with the natural environment and aligned with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, Saudi Green Initiative, and Vision 2030.
Sustainability defines Middle East’s luxury travel sector
Sustainability is becoming an important consideration within the Middle East’s luxury travel sector, especially in the UAE, where 61 percent of residents are willing to pay a premium for more responsible, eco-friendly and sustainable tourism experiences.
Saudi Arabia unveils its USD 1.5bn railway project
Webuild has signed a contract worth USD 1.5 billion to design and construct 57 km of a high-speed railway in NEOM, along the northern Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
Jordan’s soaring tourism sector
Jordan has become a popular travel destination in the Middle East. It was ranked the sixth Arab country in the 2022 Travel and Tourism Development Index and listed within the top 10 tourist destinations in 2023 by the US Tour Operator Association. Maria Quintero, HVS’ associate – consulting and valuation, provides insights into Jordan’s success and the factors that make it an appealing choice for travelers worldwide.