The UAE leads the booming hospitality and leisure-recreation market in the GCC, according to latest BNC report commissioned by The Big 5.
The combined value of the hospitality, and the leisure and recreation sectors in the region, currently valued USD 178.8 billion, is expected to increase driven by tourism, a growing population and global events.
Presenting the findings of the “GCC Hospitality & Leisure-Recreation 2016” report, The Big 5 Event Director, Josine Heijmans, commented: “In the GCC, several state-led initiatives are sponsoring construction projects to diversify the local economy. With tourism contributing to the 8.5% of its GDP by the end of 2016, the UAE is vigorously investing on infrastructure projects to welcome more and more visitors.”
The Dubai Expo 2020, for example, is expected to bring 25 million visitors, 70% of whom will come from abroad. With this in mind, Dubai is building 71,000 new hotel and hotel apartment rooms.
The Emirate will increase the offer of rooms from 94,000 on hand at the start of 2015 to approximately 164,000 at the time of the Expo, BNC Report shows.
According to Charlie Taylor, Jumeirah’s Group Director of Brand Communications, the popularity of the UAE as a destination has developed rapidly over the years.
“Demand continues to grow as new attractions come on stream and more choices for accommodation, dining and entertainment become available.”
Jumeirah has a robust and growing pipeline of new openings in the region. Jumeirah Al Naseem, with its 430 rooms, is set to open in Dubai on 1 December 2016, followed by Jumeirah at Saraya Bandar Jissah in Oman and Jumeirah Sa’adiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, both due to open in 2017. More info
By Staff  www.emirates247.com
