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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.