The ATM 2013 road show series concludes in Dubai today after a two-week calendar of educational seminars in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon and Oman.
The
road show in Dubai, which was the largest event with 140 delegates,
comes at a time when the UAE tourism receipts are forecast to rise by
67% over the next few years. The region is now entering a new era of
stability and increased connectivity and expansion of existing
infrastructure.
According
to Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report,
the UAE’s hospitality market is likely to reach US$7.5 billion by
2016, up from US$4.5 billion (67% increase) in 2011 as visitor demand
gains traction and new hotel supply enhances the existing tourism
product.
“The
UAE’s tourism map is now incredibly diverse. The Northern Emirates
of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are building on their own cultural
foundations to present a series of unique individual products that,
together with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, position the
country as a cohesive hospitality hub, with varied appeal,” said
Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
Looking
longer term, a recent Dubai Chamber study, supported by statistics
published by Business Monitor International, puts UAE tourism sector
growth at 6.5% per annum between 2011-2021, with visitors from the
Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific the key source markets.
Employment growth prospects for the sector are also buoyant, with a
forecast annual real growth rate of around 4.1%.
Tourist
arrivals in the UAE are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% between
2012 and 2022, with hotel supply also expected to increase from the
current 96,992 hotel
rooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to a total of
125,383 hotel rooms in 2016.
The
emirate of Dubai continues to build on impressive performance levels.
In November 2012, year-to-date occupancy of 80% was up 2% on 2011
according to Ernst & Young’s 2012 Middle East Hotel Benchmark
Survey.
Dubai
International Airport, which is currently ranked the fourth busiest
airport in the world in terms of internationalpassengers,
recorded total passenger traffic
in the first 11 months of 2012 at 52.3 million travellers, up 13.1%
against 2011, with passenger numbers forecast to reach 56.5
million in 2012, and 98 million by 2020.
Abu
Dhabi has recorded similarly buoyant figures with 2012 another record
year according to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA
Abu Dhabi), which revealed that in 2012 it welcomed 2.3 million hotel
guests to the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments, representing a
13% rise on 2011 figures. Hotel revenues for the same period also
increased by 6% to US$ 1.261 billion.
Ras
Al Khaimah’s plans to position itself as a nature-focused
tourism destination are gaining momentum. By 2021, the emirate
expects around 20% of its GDP to be generated by tourism-related
activities. According to Oxford Business Group, the northern emirate
is aiming to 10,000 rooms by 2016 with a US$218 million commitment to
tourism development from the government.
“Local
government investment into infrastructure, private sector investment
into creating world-class attractions, and major route expansion by
the two national carriers is a three-way strategy that is paying
dividends for
the UAE tourism industry,” said Walsh.
Held
under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai
and set to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the show has grown to
become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the
biggest in the world.
New
to the 2013 event, ATM is launching the Digital and Technology Day
focusing on online travel developments and showcasing headline
speakers from across the industry.
Taking
place again this year is the New Frontiers Award, which was created
to recognise outstanding contributions to
tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Industry
Careers Day will wrap up the week providing the opportunity for
visitors looking to make a career move to meet with the exhibitors’
HR contacts looking for their next recruit.