Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East, being held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Salem Bin Dasmal pointed out that according to the World Trade Organization's latest figures, the average daily spend by a tourist after his arrival to North America is $1,140 per day, and $820 in Asia-Pacific, in contrast to $590 in the Middle East.
This indicates that the average daily spend in the Middle East is 48 percent and 28 percent lower than that of North America and Asia-Pacific respectively.
'Why is this?' Bin Dasmal asked. 'The simple answer is that there is little or nothing for tourists to spend their money on outside their hotels in our part of the world.
'Investors put their money into real estate projects, such as hotels, and consider this to be a sound investment. However, if the region's tourism industry is to develop and be sustained in the long term, an alternative investment strategy must be implemented.
'In Dubai, we have already embarked on this alternative investment strategy and we are creating a model for the rest of the Middle East with themed leisure entertainment investments, such as Dubailand,' Bin Dasmal said.
Addressing the WEF session on 'Developing an innovative investment climate: The Case of Tourism', Bin Dasmal explained that Dubailand is three billion square feet land which will feature over 26 major projects providing over 50 attractions.
'The future of the Middle East tourism industry can only be assured through the development of resort destinations, such as Dubailand, that provide a real alternative to destinations like Orlando,' said Bin Dasmal.
'Today's tourists want more than stand alone hotels, offering little more than a beach, a swimming pool and a selection of restaurants. Orlando, and similar resort destinations, has provided a business blueprint which countries throughout the Middle East can use as a springboard to ensure the region's tourist industry contributes a greater share of GDP.'
Dubailand CEO urges alternative tourism investment strategy at World Economic Forum
The biggest challenge facing the Middle East tourism industry today is not the number of rooms occupied but how much tourists spend outside their hotels each day, according to Salem Bin Dasmal, CEO of Dubailand, a member of Tatweer.
- United Arab Emirates: Saturday, May 20 - 2006 at 14:56
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About DubailandDubailand managed by Tatweer includes many attractive features that cater to the needs of all members of the family. The unique project spread over 3 billion sq. ft. will attract millions of tourists annually from all around the world.
Several projects under Dubailand are under construction with investments by UAE, GCC and international investors in the existing projects reaching AED 35 billion. It is expected that the total investments will reach AED 65 billion during the next 18 months with the announcement of more projects which are under study.
The diverse projects under Dubailand include leisure, entertainment, theme parks, eco- tourism, shopping malls, restaurants and residential units. Dubailand will play an important role in catalyzing the position of Dubai as an international hub of family tourism attracting 15 million tourists annually by 2010.
Posted by Lara Lynn Golden, News EditorSaturday, May 20 - 2006 at 14:56 UAE local time (GMT+4)
Replication or redistribution in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited.
This Article was updated on Saturday, October 28 - 2006
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Any opinions, advice, statements, offers or other information expressed in this section of the AME Info Web site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited. AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited is not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or reliability of any material, advice, opinion or statement in this section of the AME Info Web site.
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