Tourism and Hospitality

Travel industry growth moves east
The Middle East, Africa & Asia will continue to experience higher growth rates than the world average over the coming years with regard to travel and tourism, according to Geoffrey Kent, chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council. Speaking at the 2008 Global Travel & Tourism Summit. Kent said North American and Europe, the world's two single largest travel and tourism economies, are falling below the world average with growth of just over 2% per annum over the coming decade. Overall, the travel and tourism industry accounts for about 10% of global GDP and 8% of total employment, he noted. Furthermore, one in every 12 jobs in the world today is generated by travel and tourism activity.
Monday, April 21 - 2008 at 14:57

Dubai hotel rooms to triple by 2015
Despite the downturn in the global economy, the 'signs are positive' for continued growth in Dubai's tourism market, said Khalid Bin Sulayem, Director General of Tourism and Commerce Marketing for the Dubai Gorvernment. Speaking at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit inDubai, Bin Sulayem said tourism is 'Dubai's future' and represents 30% of the emirate's GDP. Dubai hosted seven milion tourists in 2007, he noted, and that number is projected to rise to 10 million by 2010 and 14 million by 2015. At present, there are 47,000 hotel rooms in Dubai, and that figure is expected to triple by 2015.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, April 21 - 2008 at 11:56

Marriott plans 65 properties in Middle East
Marriott International plans to expand its current portfolio of properties in the Middle East from 26 to 65 through 2011, the company announced at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit. The chain announced four new development agreements in the region, which will be located in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. With the signings, which involve nine properties and 2,000 rooms, Marriott's Middle East hotel pipeline now stands at 39.
Monday, April 21 - 2008 at 11:50

Seven Tides rolls out hotel plans
Dubai-based Seven Tides Hospitality announced on Sunday it is opening three exclusive five-star multi-use developments in the first half of 2009, apart from plans of setting up 20 five-star hotels. The three upcoming hotels include Oceana located on the Trunk of the Palm; The Royal Amwaj on the Crescent, is an Asian inspired five-star resort and spa with apartments; and the Ibn Battuta Gate, strategically located next to the Ibn Battuta Mall.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, April 21 - 2008 at 09:23

Abu Dhabi lays out 5-year plan
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has revealed in its five-year plan 2008-2012 an upgrade in the projected annual hotel guests at 2.7 million by the end of 2012 as 12.5% higher than initial estimate. The plan looks into the emirate's hotel stock to jump by 13,000 rooms on its current available inventory.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, April 20 - 2008 at 15:31

Etihad plans its own hotel brand
Etihad Airways said it is planning to have its own hotel brand in the coming years, reported Gulf News. The airline also plans to add catering and ground handling to its portfolio, which the airline currently outsources.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, April 20 - 2008 at 09:38

Al Basel wins French hotels
Al Basel Consultancy has won contracts to promote four elite French hotels to Gulf markets. The Dubai-based team will assist renowned hotels Hotel Du Palais, La Soviliere, Raphael Paris, and Regina Paris in boosting their Middle Eastern presence.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, April 19 - 2008 at 10:05

Saudi Arabia to run UN tourism initiative
The United Nations World Tourism Organization has asked Saudi Arabia to run its Capacity Building Program initiative, reported Arab News. The Kingdom will represent the Middle East in the running of this project and function as an intermediary to bring UNWTO expertise to other countries in the region.
Saudi Arabia: Thursday, April 17 - 2008 at 11:01