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Feature - A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism
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Winds of change The industry remains hopeful about a gradual rebound with key players set to use this new dawn for the travel and tourism sector to build back better The past decade witnessed a remarkable transformation in global tourism. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economic sectors, tourism levels recorded all-time highs. Compared to 2009 figures, international tourist arrivals grew from 880 million to 1.5 billion in 2019, while the industry made up 10 percent of the global GDP in 2019 with a total contribution of US$8.9 trillion. Over the course of the last ten years, as several hidden gems came to light, beckoning intrepid travellers from around the world, a global shift in economic power saw the Middle East placed at the centre of the tourism boom. Several cities and countries across the region developed into significant hubs for travel and leisure. The most successful of all destinations was Dubai, followed closely by Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah and also Saudi Arabia, which, in 2019, made a
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monumental shift as it opened its doors to international tourists for the first time. Travel providers ushered in 2020 with their sights set on riding this wave of growth, instead, the new decade brought this steady ascent to a grinding halt due to the pandemic. COVID-19 caused tourist arrivals to fall to extraordinary depths, plunging the industry into an unprecedented crisis. As borders began to close to curb the spread of the virus, airlines grounded their fleet and hotels put up the shutters, bringing the travel and tourism business on its knees with millions of jobs at risk. Now, almost a year since countries first imposed national lockdowns, the end of the crisis seems to be in sight. Nations are now locked in the race to vaccinate their populations and economic recovery efforts are underway. Although experts have predicted that tourism spend will not return to pre-pandemic levels until
2024, the industry remains hopeful about a gradual rebound with key players all set to use this new dawn for the travel and tourism industry to build back better. THE ROAD TO RECOVERY A Global Holiday Intent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions revealed that nearly half of those surveyed intended to travel in 2021. Expatriates from the UAE and Saudi Arabia also expressed that they were looking for a relaxing holiday or hoping to travel home during the year to see family and friends. These findings are supported by recent research conducted by Expedia and VisitBritain, which has shown that consumers are still very much dreaming about taking a holiday this year. Scott Livermore, Chief Economist, Oxford Economics, Middle East, said: “As vaccine roll-out progresses, we expect to see a significant return
A Global Holiday Intent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions revealed that nearly half of those surveyed intended to travel in 2021 5/12/21 12:21 AM
