From UAE hotels reporting 24 percent revenue surge, totalling US$7.08 billion, in the first seven months of 2023 to the GCC’s Schengen-style tourism visa approval and Saudi Arabia surpassing UAE as the fastest-growing travel market in the Middle East, it has been quite a power-packed week for the industry. Read on to find out the biggest stories of the week.
UAE hotels report 24% revenue surge, reaching US$7 billion in 7 months
Hotels in the United Arab Emirates have seen a substantial 24 percent increase in revenues, totalling US$7.08 billion, in the first seven months of 2023.This surge was revealed by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Head of the Emirates Tourism Council, during a council meeting. Around 56 million hotel nights have been booked while the hotel occupancy rate reached 75 percent.
Major update: GCC unanimously approves Schengen-style tourism visa
Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman has announced the unanimous approval of the GCC common or unified tourism visa.It was discussed as the sultanate chaired the seventh meeting of GCC ministers of tourism on Thursday October 5. GCC ministers of tourism have unanimously approved a unified Gulf visa and sought feedback by December, Oman’s news agency ONA reported.
Saudi Arabia surpasses UAE as the fastest-growing travel market in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the fastest-growing travel market in the region. The country saw a 107 percent increase in 2022 gross bookings compared to 2021, and is forecasted to grow by 65 percent by 2026. Mega projects such as The Red Sea and NEOM are expected to attract millions of tourists to Saudi Arabia in the coming years. Moreover, the overall Middle East travel sector is expected to grow by 40 percent between 2022 and 2026. That’s according to a Phocuswright report published recently.
JJ Sleiffer’s legacy lives on with Hilton’s US$250,000 grant to SEDRA foundation
The Hilton Global Foundation (HGF) – Hilton’s primary philanthropic arm – has announced a commitment to grant US$250,000 to the SEDRA Foundation as part of its global funding towards organisations that are making a tangible impact in their communities. Coinciding with Disability Employment Awareness Month and Hilton’s annual global week of service – Travel with Purpose Week – the HGF grants were awarded to organisations that promote career development, community resilience, and environmental sustainability around the world.
UAE sets up advisory committee to boost hospitality investment
Fresh from announcing the UAE has recorded a US$7 billion increase in revenues in the first seven months of 2023, the Emirates has announced another move towards becoming the region’s, and the world’s, most profitable tourism destination. Occupancies across the country averaged at 75 percent from January to July this year, which equated to around 56 million room nights. The Hospitality Advisory Committee includes some of the emirate’s most experienced asset managers and industry leaders.
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Ras Al Khaimah racks up another tourism award: This time for sustainability
Ras Al Khaimah has received Silver Certification from EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations. It makes the Northern Emirates the first destination in the Middle East to earn the recognition. The certification process includes monitoring, benchmarking, and auditing across 10 sustainability indicators – from energy and water consumption to waste management, carbon footprint analysis, and community engagement.