Exhibitor news

UNWTO: GLOBAL TOURISM ENJOYS STRONG START TO 2022

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) revealed that global international tourist arrivals more than doubled by 130 percent in January 2022 compared to 2021, as per the latest available data. The 18 million more visitors recorded worldwide in the first month of the year equals the total increase for the whole of 2021.

While these figures confirm the positive trend already underway last year, the pace of recovery in January was impacted by the emergence of the Omicron variant, which saw the reintroduction of travel restrictions in several destinations.

Following the 71 percent decline of 2021, international arrivals in January 2022 remained 67 percent below pre-pandemic levels.

All regions enjoyed a significant rebound in January 2022, though from low levels recorded at the start of 2021. Europe and the Americas continued to post the strongest results with a growth of 199 percent and 97 percent, respectively, although international arrivals are still around half pre-pandemic levels.

The Middle East and Africa also saw growth in January 2022 over 2021, recording an 89 percent and 51 percent increase respectively, but these regions

Chiang Mai, Thailand

still saw a drop compared to 2019. While Asia and the Pacific recorded a 44 percent year-on-year increase, this can be attributed to several destinations remaining closed to non-essential travel, resulting in the largest decrease in international arrivals over 2019.

After the unprecedented drop seen in the last two years, international tourism is expected to continue its gradual recovery in 2022. As of March 24, 2022, 12 destinations had no COVID-19 related restrictions in place and an increasing number of destinations were easing or lifting travel restrictions, which contributes to unleashing pent-up demand.

ETIHAD UNVEILS NEW AIRBUS A350

Etihad Airways recently unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000 on a special inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris. The aircraft is the first A350 to be operated by the UAE’s national airline and the first of five A350s set to join Etihad’s fleet over the coming months.

The aircraft, named Sustainability50, carries a unique livery in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the UAE and Etihad’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It will join the airline’s industry-leading sustainability drive as part of a programme aimed at decarbonising aviation.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Airbus A350 is an absolutely incredible aircraft and we are proud to introduce it into the Etihad Airways network. Our teams have worked closely together to craft a product and travel proposition that will ensure every journey with Etihad is a choice well made – both for our guests and for the planet. With highly efficient fuel consumption and CO₂ savings, the A350 will support our goals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver an unmatched flight experience for our guests.”

Formed as a partnership between Etihad, Airbus and Rolls Royce in 2021, the Sustainability50 programme will see Etihad’s A350s used as flying testbeds of new initiatives, procedures and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the learnings derived from Etihad’s similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing B787 aircraft type.

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWBpowered Airbus A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, with 25 percent less fuel burn and CO₂

Etihad Airways - Airbus A350

emissions than previous generation twin-aisle aircraft. “We designed our sustainability programme as a vehicle for collaboration and our strategic partnership with Airbus allows us to harness the sustainability credentials of the A350 through the Sustainability50 programme, as we work towards our joint objectives to reduce aviation’s impact on the environment,” said Douglas.

DUBAI’S TOURISM SECTOR DELIVERS STELLAR 2021 PERFORMANCE

According to the latest data published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai welcomed 7.28 million international overnight visitors between January and December 2021, representing 32 percent year-on-year growth.

In the last quarter of 2021, international arrivals to the city surpassed 3.4 million visitors, achieving 74 percent of the total pre-pandemic tourist arrivals of Q4 2019. This growth can be attributed to the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, which recorded 24.1 million visits from residents and global travellers in the space of six months and dovetailed with the UAE’s golden jubilee celebrations.

The 2021 figures underline the resilience and resurgence of the city’s travel and tourism sector and reaffirm the role of tourism as a key driver of economic growth. This further validates Dubai’s recent selection as the world’s most popular destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2022.

The emirate’s number one source market, India, delivered 910,000 visitors, followed by 491,000 travellers from Saudi Arabia, while Russia and the United Kingdom contributed 444,000 and 420,000 visitors, respectively.

Robust international visitation was boosted by strong tourism arrivals from regional markets. The MENA and GCC collectively contributed to 26 percent of the total volumes, reinforcing Dubai’s continued appeal to travellers from proximity zones.

For the first time, the hotel sector outperformed pre-pandemic levels across all measurements in Q4 2021, including over 81.4 percent occupancy compared to 80.7 percent during Q4 2019.

The average occupancy, overall, reached 67 percent in 2021 compared to 54 percent in the previous year, which is among the highest rates internationally.

Guests also spent longer in Dubai’s hotels, with the average length of stay reaching 4.6 nights (up from 4.2 nights in 2020). The total of 31.47 million occupied room nights represented 53.7 percent growth compared to 2020 and approximately 98 percent of the occupied room nights of 2019.

Supporting the city’s commitment to always offer something unique to travellers, 2021 saw the opening of new attractions, including the Museum of the Future, Ain Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai, Hatta Dome Park and The View at The Palm, to name a few.

Also, as one of the world’s most vaccinated nations with more than 94 percent of the population inoculated, the UAE achieved the first position globally in Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking in January 2022.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “Dubai’s successful blueprint to navigate far beyond the pandemic and emerge as a highly competitive, attractive and resilient destination is the result of the constant inspiration from our visionary leadership to position Dubai as the leading city for business, investment and tourism.”

VISIT STAND ME2510, ME3110, ME3150

DEMAND FOR OUTBOUND TRAVEL FROM INDIA SPIKES

Airline businesses and travel agencies in India have reported a rise in demand with an increase in holiday bookings, although high fuel prices and vaccine-related curbs remain potential downside risks.

The spike is in response to the government announcing the resumption of regular international flights in March. National carrier Air India and Delhi-based Vistara – the only two Indian airlines that operate flights to Europe and the Americas – witnessed a huge increase in demand. Both airlines anticipate good growth for leisure travel on tourist routes in the upcoming holiday season.

Analysing recent trends, experts say that there is demand for both long-haul and short-haul international flights, with Europe’s Switzerland, France, Spain and the UK still heading the leader board, followed by short-haul destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Thailand, Maldives, Turkey, Egypt and Singapore. Long-haul destinations with options to various cities in Australia also remain popular.

Highlighting these trends in the Indian outbound travel market, TravTalk India will host a session focussing on this key sector at Arabian Travel Market 2022.

QATAR TOURISM SET FOR LANDMARK YEAR

Diriyah Gate

EMAAR TO MANAGE ARMANI HOTEL IN DIRIYAH

Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group is set to expand its portfolio in Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new Armani Hotel. The third Armani Hotel in the world, after Dubai and Milan, the Emaarmanaged property will be located in the historic city of Diriyah in Riyadh province. A 300-yearold site located 15 minutes from Riyadh, Diriyah is regarded as the birthplace of the kingdom and the capital of the first Saudi state.

Overlooking Diriyah’s luxury hospitality and retail quarter, Armani Hotel Diriyah will feature 70 rooms, two restaurants and a spa. The property will offer guests an array of wellness, hospitality and relaxation experiences.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said: “It is an honour to partner with Armani Hotels on this prestigious project. Their elegant and forward-thinking approach to modern hospitality will bring a new dynamic to Diriyah’s hospitality offering and bring with it an exciting guest experience to the kingdom. As we develop what will become one of the world’s great gathering places, rich in culture, history and authenticity, we are proud to partner with brands such as Armani who demonstrate such a timeless approach to hospitality.” In line with the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) projections for the resumption of travel to pre-pandemic levels in the Middle East in 2022, Qatar has seen its visitor numbers steadily scale up.

His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “Our strategy is to triple our visitor numbers to six million by 2030, making Qatar one of the world’s fastestgrowing tourism destinations.”

It is an exciting time for tourism in Qatar, with many firsts for the Gulf country, including becoming the first Middle Eastern country to win the right to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. While this mega sporting event is a milestone in the country’s tourism growth journey, sports will continue to feature heavily in the 2030 strategy as one of four key contributors to drive tourism in Qatar. The country is working on building its calendar of events to continue attracting athletes, amateurs and professionals in various fields well beyond 2022.

As part of the nation’s efforts to offer exciting experiences outside sporting arenas and stadiums, there are 205 hotels and resorts, including a raft of cultural and retail attractions – such as Place Vendôme and Winter Wonderland – due to open in time for the influx of fans expected to visit Qatar later this year. Simultaneously, more than 80 projects are in the pipeline, bringing the total up to 291 hotels and resorts.

Qatar is also capitalising on its geographic location for the growth of its cruise tourism sub-sector. In the past decade, the Arabian Gulf has risen to the top three cruise destinations worldwide during the winter months. While hosting cruise ships for overnight stays, Doha has also become a turnaround port, allowing visitors to enjoy longer stays before and after their cruise.

As a step towards enhancing the experience for cruise guests, the fully renovated Doha Port terminal will be inaugurated this spring. A new gateway to the country, located in Doha’s cultural district, it is in close proximity to the capital’s key attractions

With rapid development underway in the country, Qatar Tourism recognises its responsibility to ensure that all its tourism products and services deliver an unparalleled visitor experience. The Service Excellence programme was, therefore, recently launched in order to empower its partners from across different sectors to enhance the experience at every touchpoint along the visitor journey.

Doha, Qatar

RAKTDA EXTENDS ‘LIVE RAK PLAY’ PROGRAMME

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced an extension to its popular ‘Live RAK Play’ programme, inviting digital nomads to relocate to the emirate for up to a year.

Available until September 30, 2022, the programme features a range of long-stay offers across numerous hotels in Ras Al Khaimah with seamless connectivity and discounts on dining, laundry and car rentals. Also featured in the package are complimentary tickets to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm, Jais Adventure Park and a half day-mountain excursion at the Bear Grylls Explorer Camp.

As industries across the world adopt more flexible working policies, professionals are increasingly seeking new and safe destinations while staying connected digitally. According to Mercer, an HR and workplace benefits consultancy, companies have reported that productivity is the same or higher than it was before COVID-19, even with their teams working remotely,

Ras Al Khaimah contributing to greater employee wellbeing and better work-life balance.

“We’ve seen first-hand the impact of remote working on employee wellbeing,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

“Our own company culture, which reflects a host of workplace initiatives to help our people both professionally and personally, has given employees the space to focus on their mental wellbeing. As the government entity with the ‘Happiest Work Environment’ in Ras Al Khaimah and a ‘Great Place to Work’, we’re driven to create even more opportunities and ‘Live RAK Play’ taps into this culture by giving remote workers the chance to call our beautiful emirate home.”

With an array of activities to weave into the daily routine, Ras Al Khaimah offers an idyllic work from home setting. The emirate’s outdoor offering is abundant, with the world’s longest zip line on the highest mountain in the UAE, picturesque wadis for hiking enthusiasts, white sandy beaches and more. Its welldeveloped hospitality offering and diverse landscape also means that guests can enjoy an array of hotels set on the beach, in the desert or in the heart of the city.

VISIT STAND ME3310

EMIRATES MARKS 30 YEARS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY

Emirates

This year, Emirates marks 30 years since the airline installed TV screens in all seats across all cabin classes throughout its fleet. A revolutionary move at the time, it shaped traveller expectations and the in-flight entertainment industry in the decades to come.

Since then, the Dubai-based carrier has consistently introduced new innovations in entertainment and connectivity. Large, ultra-high-definition 4k screens as well as faster and improved Wi-Fi connectivity are among the latest developments Emirates has planned for its new generation in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems that will be delivered with its future fleet on order. Alongside, Emirates is updating its extensive library of content, with over 100 movies and 200 TV episodes added each month.

Patrick Brannelly, Senior Vice President Retail, IFE & Connectivity, Emirates said: “When Emirates introduced personal screens on every seat back in 1992, it was considered a massive industry innovation. Other airlines questioned the sense of this huge investment, estimated at about US$15,000 per seat at that time. But we quickly realised that our customers loved being entertained throughout the flight.”

Brannelly added: “Emirates has led in the in-flight connectivity space, too, from the introduction of satellite phones in 1993 to becoming the first to install systems that enabled mobile phones to be used on aircraft.”

Emirates’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, offers over 5,000 channels of on-demand movies, music, television shows, box sets and documentaries, in over 40 languages. An Emirates passenger would have to fly over 500 times from Dubai to Sydney in order to consume the entire library.

In addition to entertainment, ice offers a range of other practical features, such as the ability to check the status of the flight en route, a real-time view of the sky during take-off and landing from cameras that are fixed on the aircraft’s nose, tail and underbelly, a helpful travel guide about Emirates’ hub Dubai, EmiratesRED, the world’s first in-flight TV shopping channel and a range of personal development content.

FLYDUBAI WINS AVIATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Flydubai has been recognised at this year’s Aviation Achievement Awards in two categories. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at Flydubai, was named CEO of the Year, while the Dubai-based carrier was awarded Low-Cost Airline of the Year.

While receiving the awards on behalf of the airline, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at Flydubai, said: “The awards celebrate key achievements in the aviation industry and honour excellence in leadership, innovation and resilience. The recognition demonstrates the commitment and hard work of everyone at Flydubai, while reflecting our agility as a business and the contributions we have made to the travel sector in the last year.”

Earlier this month, the carrier reported a profit of US$229 million for the year ending on December 31, 2021, which the airline attributes to

Flydubai team

its strong business model that has served it well through the pandemic.

The year 2022 was off to a great start for the airline with Flydubai inaugurating its new service to AlUla in Saudi Arabia in the beginning of March, growing its network to more than 95 destinations in 50 countries operated by a single fleet type of 62 Boeing 737 aircraft.

VISIT STAND ME2410

ROTANA OPENS CENTRO MADA AMMAN

Homegrown hospitality group Rotana has announced the soft opening of Centro Mada Amman, a concept hotel designed for a new generation of business travellers. The new property is the first of the Centro by Rotana brand to open in Amman and the third Rotana-managed hotel to join the hospitality group’s growing portfolio in the kingdom.

Nestled in the heart of the Jordanian capital’s business and leisure hub of Abdoun, Centro Mada Amman is minutes away from key embassies, historical sites and Queen Alia International Airport, making it the ideal base for travellers seeking a convenient, comfortable stay.

Combining elegance with contemporary design, the hotel delivers a modern twist on longstanding Jordanian cultural elements, including the warm hospitality for which Jordanians are renowned.

Imad Akil, General Manager of Centro Mada Amman, said: “We are thrilled about the opening of our first Centro property in Amman and we are confident that Centro Mada will positively meet the demands of the new generation of travellers who seek superior experiences and good value. We are excited to offer a taste of the Centro Mada experience, with its lifestyle approach that provides guests with a distinct combination of style, warmth and convenience with a dash of creativity in all its offerings.”

Centro Mada Amman

The opening highlights the group’s firm belief in the country’s potential as a vital tourism and business hub in the region. Akil, who brings more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality sector and has played key leadership roles in the launch of several Rotana hotels across the region, also noted that the hotel bridges the gap in Jordan’s midtier market, which currently occupies only 27 percent of the local hospitality sector.

MIDDLE EAST TOURISM SECTOR SET TO BOOM

New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East could reach US$246 billion this year, just 8.9 percent behind pre-pandemic levels. The study shows that as the region continues to recover from the pandemic, with major markets reopening borders and easing restrictions on travel, the sector’s contribution to employment could almost reach pre-pandemic levels later this year.

In 2019, before the pandemic struck, the travel and tourism industry in the Middle East was booming, contributing US$270 billion to the region’s economy. However, in 2020, when COVID-19 brought international travel to an almost complete standstill, its contribution more than halved, plummeting 51.1 percent and suffering a loss of more than US$138 billion.

Research by WTTC revealed that, if restrictions on international travel are eased around the world, almost 6.8 million people could be employed in the sector by the end of 2022, just 40,000 behind pre-pandemic levels. To reach this mark, WTTC

Dubai

stated that governments around the world must continue focusing on the vaccine rollout and allow fully vaccinated travellers to move freely.

The global tourism body also urged governments in the Middle East and around the world to ditch the patchwork of restrictions and enable international travel using digital solutions that allow travellers to prove their status in a fast, simple and secure way.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant losses to the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, but we now have a reason for real optimism. Since the start of the pandemic, governments across the Middle East have shown a real commitment to travel and tourism. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has shown strong leadership throughout the crisis and is making a major investment in travel and tourism.”

She added: “2022 is poised for a strong recovery if governments across the region continue to open up their borders and remove restrictions to travel, which will have a massive positive effect on both the economy, the society and jobs.”

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai

TAJ OPENS THIRD HOTEL IN THE UAE

Indian Hotels Company’s (IHCL) iconic brand, Taj, has launched Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai. Located on Palm Jumeirah, the property is the third Taj branded hotel in the UAE.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said: “This opening is in line with our strong focus to be present in global growth markets. With the addition of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, IHCL expands to strengthen its footprint in Dubai. We are honoured to partner with the Arenco Group to bring Taj’s signature hospitality to Palm Jumeirah, one of the world’s most exciting destinations.”

The new resort offers 325 rooms and suites, an array of culinary experiences and wellness at the award-winning Jiva spa, complete with a private beach and the longest pool in Palm Jumeirah.

Ranjit Phillipose, Area Director – Middle East and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our guests to Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, the latest addition to Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle, dining and cityscape. This island oasis will allow guests to create memories of a lifetime as they immerse themselves in the sincere care and warmth that Taj is synonymous with.”

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT REMAINS ROBUST IN GCC

According to recent research commissioned by Arabian Travel Market, hotel development in prime GCC tourism destinations is growing at six times the global average. Conducted by hotel market intelligence and global benchmarking company STR, the study revealed that the development pattern in Middle Eastern tourism hubs like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar remains substantial despite the effects of the pandemic.

The research further goes on to state that Makkah and Doha are both expanding their hotel room inventory by 76 percent, followed by Riyadh, Madinah and Muscat with 66 percent, 60 percent and 59 percent growth, respectively.

In Dubai, room growth stands at 26 percent, which is still sizeable considering the existing base and following years of continuous hotel development, and is still more than double the global average.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “With the global average sitting at 12 percent, we are witnessing multiple GCC destinations growing at six times those rates. These figures, coupled with the ongoing relaxation in travel restrictions, will undoubtedly encourage travel professionals throughout the Middle East and further afield.”

According to the report, there are almost 2.5 million hotel rooms currently under contract around the world, and 3.2 percent or 80,000 rooms of that supply are taking shape in Saudi Arabia alone. Also, with Dubai having wrapped up Expo 2020 Dubai on March 31, 2022, the mega event’s effects have been

Dubai

far-reaching. It has acted as a catalyst for accelerated hotel room growth in the UAE with almost 50,000 rooms still due to open this year across the emirates.

Following closely behind is Doha, with final preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ now being put in place. Doha is on track to deliver 23,000 hotel rooms before and after the event, adding to Qatar’s burgeoning hotel portfolio.

“Whilst the actual numbers may not seem particularly significant in comparison to the global hotel room pipeline, the growth above existing supply is staggering and underlines government strategy to diversify their economies away from hydrocarbon receipts and their confidence in the growth of tourism throughout the region,” concluded Curtis.

MINOR HOTELS INTRODUCES NH COLLECTION HOTELS TO ASIA

Minor Hotels is all set to expand its property portfolio in Thailand. The hotel management group will introduce its first NH Collection Hotel in Chiang Mai, with the development of the NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River. Located on the Mae Ping River and in close proximity to Chiang Mai International Airport, the property is set to open in the first quarter of 2023.

Occupying two low-rise buildings right on the riverbank, the resort will be integrated into nature and the riverside landscape. In addition to 79 rooms and suites – some with private swimming pools – the new hotel will feature a host of dining and leisure facilities. A partnership between Osmo Ping River, a subsidiary of Osmo Properties Group, and Minor Hotels, the new property will also mark the first venture of the NH Collection brand outside of Europe and Latin America.

Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Executive Officer, Minor Hotels, said: “NH Collection Chiang Mai is a singular venue surrounded by history, culture and nature. Every NH Collection experience is based on our promise to connect guests with the city’s soul, so getting the destination right was extremely important for our first NH Collection property in Asia. Together with our partner Osmo Ping River, we

NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River

look forward to giving the city of Chiang Mai a truly standout property that will speak of its standing as Thailand’s centre of creativity.”

KSA PREPARES TO MEET DEMAND AMID ONGOING RECOVERY

Oman

OMAN SEES 384% JUMP IN VISITOR NUMBERS

The Sultanate of Oman welcomed approximately 652,000 visitors in 2021, while 1.9 million passengers, including citizens and expatriates, flew out during the same period. Most visitors were from the GCC countries (293,125) followed by India (106,042), Yemen (41,923), Pakistan (19,326) and Egypt (18,173).

According to the latest data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total revenue of hotels with three- to five-star ratings amounted to US$265 million, with these properties hosting 1.2 million guests.

In December 2021 alone, the number of international visitors arriving in Oman amounted to 180,000, an increase of 384 percent compared to 37,000 visitors during the same period of the previous year.

More than 75,000 visitors were from the GCC alone, accounting for 42 percent of the total visitors during this period. This was followed by Indian visitors, accounting for 12.7 percent of the total with Germans and Yemenis at 5.4 and 4.8 percent, respectively.

The hotel occupancy rate reached 47.5 percent during December 2021, compared to 26.7 percent for the same period in 2020. A total of 32,621 hotel rooms are currently under construction in Saudi Arabia. According to the latest research from STR, commissioned by Arabian Travel Market, the kingdom is preparing to meet pent-up demand from pilgrims returning to its holy cities.

The study pointed out that the country’s revenue per available room (RevPAR) recovery index stands at 52 percent, noting that the absence of millions of Muslim pilgrims has significantly impacted hotel performance in Saudi Arabia. Madinah and Makkah witnessed RevPAR rates of just 33 percent and 24 percent, respectively, in 2021.

Although significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, the kingdom’s hotel performance registered year-on-year gains in 2021 and the sector’s recovery is expected to persist throughout the coming year, with pent-up demand driving further improvements as restrictions continue to ease.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “As was the case for markets the world over, the global pandemic had a major impact on Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. Even so, STR’s findings clearly point to ongoing and sustained recovery, and we are looking forward to exploring the vast untapped potential of the kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector at ATM 2022.”

Hotels in Al Khobar are currently outperforming those in Saudi Arabia’s other major cities, with RevPAR surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, meanwhile, recorded recovery index rates of 88 percent, 85 percent and 56 percent, respectively, last year.

In terms of outbound travel, research conducted by Colliers International shows that overseas journeys from the kingdom are set to grow to over six million in 2022, compared to an estimated 3.7 million in 2021 and 4.8 million in 2020. In the longer term, outbound tourist trips are expected to rise to over nine million in 2025, although this figure would still be significantly lower than the peak of 19.7 million recorded in 2019.

Outbound tourist expenditure is set to grow to US$8.7 billion this year, compared to an estimated US$5.26 billion in 2021 and US$5.86 billion in 2020. Total expenditure is expected to increase to US$14.56 billion in 2025.

Other takeaways from Colliers International’s analysis include the growth of travel related to ‘visiting friends and relatives’ (VFR) during the pandemic, which accounted for more than half of outbound trips (55 percent) in 2020, compared to 39 percent in 2019; and an increase in the average trip length, rising from 15.4 days in 2019 to 19.2 days in 2020.

“While religious tourism will no doubt remain a mainstay for Saudi Arabia, the global travel community is also understandably excited about new prospects that are opening up, thanks to the country’s growing investment in other segments,” concluded Curtis.

Riyadh

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TIME HOTELS MARKS 10 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY

The UAE-headquartered hospitality company, Time Hotels, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by recognising key milestones during a decade of service excellence and corporate achievement.

Time Hotels was founded in Dubai in 2012 under the leadership of Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of Time Hotels. The company initially launched with six properties in Dubai and Sharjah, before introducing Time Express and expanding into Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and, most recently, Mauritius, which marks Time’s first property outside of the MENA region. With three more hotels due to open this year, Time’s portfolio will have grown to 19 properties.

Mohamed Awadalla said: “Our success as a homegrown brand can be attributed to our progressive corporate strategy which consists of four main pillars – environmental issues, staff welfare, social responsibility and ethical

TIME Hotels team governance. More than 10 percent of our existing staff have been with us from the beginning. Another benefit of being independent is that with a flat management structure, we are also very flexible and have been able to react quickly to market trends and issues.”

Since launching, one of Time’s first achievements was to secure an international hotel sustainability certification, initially through Green Globe, then subsequently with Green Key, which it has maintained ever since, complying with global standards through annual audits.

“We have accomplished so much over the last 10 years; we are extremely proud of our achievements and we are committed to expanding our portfolio based on our brand values and our founding principles,” added Awadalla. “In recognition of our efforts, we have received a total of 79 local, regional and international awards, over the last decade. It is particularly gratifying to receive accolades from industry professionals, governments and humanitarian organisations.”

VISIT STAND HC0625

CORPORATE TRAVEL SPEND SET TO RISE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Business travel expenditure in the Middle East is forecast to rise by 32 percent in 2022, following a predicted 49 percent increase in 2021, according to a recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The WTTC report was compiled in collaboration with McKinsey & Company. Titled ‘Adapting to Endemic COVID-19: The Outlook for Business Travel’, the report draws on research, analysis and in-depth interviews with travel and tourism business leaders to enable organisations to prepare for corporate travel in the post-pandemic era.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “This positive data will provide a welcome boost for business travel and tourism professionals throughout the Middle East region, as economies around the world begin to relax travel restrictions, despite the disruption caused by the outbreak of the Omicron variant.

“During 2021, the increase in business spending for the full year is expected to have actually outpaced spending on leisure travel by 13 percent, 10 percent and one percent in the Middle East, Europe and Africa respectively.

“Aviation experts speaking at ATM 2021 had expected business travel to lag behind leisure travel, but this estimated increase of 32 percent comes on top of a predicted rise during 2021 of 49 percent which, although 2020 was a challenging year, the business travel segment is now clearly accelerating towards prepandemic levels,” added Curtis.

In terms of business travel spending in 2021, the report ranks the Middle East region first with an increase of 49 percent, followed by Europe and Africa (36 percent), Asia Pacific (32 percent) and the Americas (14 percent).

According to the report, the Asia Pacific region will lead the world in 2022 with growth in spending of 41 percent, followed by the Americas with a 35 percent increase, the Middle East at 32 percent, Europe at 28 percent and Africa with a 23 percent rise.

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MALDIVES REMAINS PREFERRED DESTINATION FOR GCC TRAVELLERS

Maldives

According to statistics released by the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, over 359,000 tourists visited the island nation from January to March 2022 as compared to 241,407 arrivals during the same period in 2021.

As one of the first destinations to open its borders in July 2020, the country has fared well in visitor numbers ever since. This year, the Maldives aims to welcome 1.6 million tourists to its shores.

YouGov’s Travel & Tourism Rankings report for 2022 revealed that the Maldives has secured a place in the top 10 destinations for travellers from the UAE. This indicates the number of tourists travelling to the archipelago from the UAE is expected to surge. With convenient, short-haul daily flights and easy access, the Maldives remains a popular travel destination for visitors from the Middle East.

Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO & Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, said: “The Maldives is brimming with freshness. One of the main reasons behind the Maldives’ success in the tourism industry is that our destination offers a slice of paradise for all types of travellers on any budget.”

Tourism is the biggest contributor to the Maldives’ GDP and economy, and the industry experienced the fastest growth in the Maldives.

The country also witnessed a laudable recovery from the pandemic in only half a year since the outbreak, as it implemented strict hygiene protocols and had one of the swiftest vaccination drives in the world.

The successful strategies employed by the government during the global pandemic saw the nation achieving the ‘Global Safety Stamp’ from the World Travel Tourism Council as early as September 2020. The country also won the prestigious title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ at the World Travel Awards for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.

VISIT STAND AS2150

ANANTARA LAUNCHES NEW PROPERTY ON WORLD ISLANDS

Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, the first luxury resort on Dubai’s World Islands archipelago, has opened to guests. Located in the Arabian Gulf, approximately four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, the new island resort is also the first hotel to open in the South American continent of the World Islands development in the emirate.

Offering guests a new luxury destination in Dubai and a unique perspective on the city, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort comprises 70 suites as well as beach and pool villas, each with a light, contemporary feel. The new resort is accessible by a 15-minute luxury speedboat ride from the jetty at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.

The property is home to multiple restaurants and bars, all benefitting from Dubai skyline views, in addition to Anantara’s signature Dining by Design private gourmet experience, which can be enjoyed in a bubble on the shoreline.

Unique experiences include Hamacland – a floating lounge with hammocks, food and drinks – and a cinema under the stars for complete peace and privacy. A well-equipped gym, yoga classes and water sports are available for the active types, while for those seeking relaxation, Anantara Spa offers a range of spa and wellness therapies.

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InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa

RAS AL KHAIMAH WELCOMES NEW IHG RESORT

Ras Al Khaimah recently welcomed the first property from luxury hospitality brand IHG Hotels & Resorts – InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa.

Nestled between the Al Hajar mountains and the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is located on Hayat Island and is a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. The resort’s design is inspired by the diverse landscape of the emirate and the tribes residing in various terrains: the desert, mountains and sea.

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa offers 351 seafacing rooms, suites, private pool villas and six dining outlets. It also features an exclusive Club InterContinental offering, where guests can expect elevated privileges and avail of an end-to-end experience with a dedicated check-in area and access to an exclusive lounge with its own pool as well as lavish à la carte breakfasts, afternoon teas and a range of evening beverages.

Equally appealing to MICE visitors, the resort offers almost 1,000 square metres of meeting venues, including a spacious ballroom and two large meeting rooms with bespoke catering options.

Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism potential has attracted the world’s attention, luring travellers seeking immersive cultural and adventure activities. It has a strong appeal to both domestic and international visitors, and the new resort is a welcome addition to the emirate’s burgeoning hospitality scene.

VISIT STAND ME3310

AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL TO REOPEN

For the first time since the pandemic, Dubai is set to reopen Al Maktoum International Airport, with commercial flights operating from May 2022.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said that the airport will handle some passenger flights that typically operate from Dubai International Airport (DXB) during refurbishment works at the main hub that will close one of its two runways for 45 days. Thereafter, airlines that operated out of the second airport before the pandemic will continue to operate flights from Al Maktoum International.

The main hub, DXB, started operating at 100 percent capacity from December 2021 after the opening of the final phase of Concourse A at Terminal 3. DXB continues to be the world’s busiest airport by international passenger numbers for the eighth consecutive year after clocking 29.1 million in annual traffic in 2021. The airport also welcomed a record number of new airlines connecting Dubai to new destinations.

In 2022, Dubai airport is forecasting passenger traffic to more than double to 57 million from 2021 figures.

VISIT STAND ME2510, ME3110, ME3150

ABU DHABI TO OPEN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Abu Dhabi will become home to the Natural History Museum in 2025. The project is currently under construction in the UAE capital’s Saadiyat Cultural District.

The new landmark, which will reportedly be the largest of its kind in the region, will take visitors on a 13.8 billion-year journey with thought-provoking insights into a sustainable future for the planet.

A highlight of the collection will be Stan, a mostly complete 39-footlong Tyrannosaurus rex, which is one of the best-preserved and most studied fossils of this iconic predator from the late Cretaceous period. Acquired from Christie’s New York in 2020, the 67-million-year-old dinosaur – the world’s most expensive fossil – will be made available for research.

The museum will also be home to a Murchison meteorite specimen, which crash-landed in Australia more than 40 years ago, as well as some of the rarest natural history specimens.

Covering an area of more than 35,000 square metres, the landmark will not

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

only elevate the emirate’s status as a scientific hub but also bring a new wave of history enthusiasts from the region and the world to Abu Dhabi.

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