Hospitality and tourism have always been a key pillar of economic diversification efforts by countries in the Middle East. What was once considered a supplementary industry is now reshaping economies and redefining the very concept of Middle Eastern hospitality.
The numbers tell quite a compelling story. The Middle East recorded the strongest relative increase in international arrivals in 2023, with visitor numbers reaching 83 percent of pre-pandemic levels, outpacing global recovery rates. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has shown remarkable momentum, with international arrivals increasing by 156 percent compared to 2019 figures, according to the latest UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) statistics.
This growth is by no means an accident. It represents the culmination of ambitious national visions and strategic investments that are fundamentally transforming economies throughout the region. The UAE continues to set global benchmarks with Dubai welcoming a record-breaking 18.72 million overnight visitors in 2024, again surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
In this April issue, we feature insightful interviews with experts and senior executives of companies who are at the forefront of driving growth, innovation and excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry in the Middle East.
Our cover story highlights the relentless efforts of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) to innovate and maintain Dubai’s position as a leading global hospitality and tourism hub.
Our conversation with the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) sheds light on how connectivity is boosting overall business dynamics in the sector, while partnerships remain a key cornerstone of IHG Hotels and Resorts’ operation and expansion in the Middle East. We also hear from Red Sea Global (RSG) about their determination and success in striking a balance between luxury and sustainability while also incorporating Saudi heritage and hospitality into their projects.
We have also prepared an exciting list of the 30 leaders who are driving the hospitality and tourism growth in the Middle East. In this list, we honor those who are making a significant impact on the hospitality and tourism sector — whether through luxury hotels, world-class airlines, or transformative tourism initiatives — setting new benchmarks for excellence in the Middle East and beyond.
While the opportunities are exhilarating, we also look at the challenges ahead through various stories which shed light what stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry need to address so the growth trajectory goes full steam ahead, with as little obstacles as possible.
As the industry navigates this exciting period of growth and innovation, Economy Middle East remains committed to providing you with nuanced analysis and forward-looking perspectives. We believe that understanding these developments is essential not just for industry stakeholders but for anyone interested in the economic future of our region.
Whether you’re an investor seeking new opportunities, a policy maker shaping economic frameworks, or simply a professional eager to understand the forces reshaping our hospitality and tourism in this part of the world, this issue offers valuable insights into one of the most promising sectors driving our region forward.
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