The arrangements are now finalised for the MENALAC Annual Conference and Awards ceremony, which this year will be a virtual event on November 10.
The association (the Middle East and North Africa Leisure Attractions Council) said yesterday that the final panels of expert speakers for the conference had now been set into place and, as announced in this column last week, the line-up of finalists for the wide array of coveted annual awards was in the course of evaluation to pinpoint the winners.
Eagerly looked forward to this year is the discussions aimed at celebrating Women in MENA leisure. And there are 23 award categories, three up on last year, adding more recognition to suppliers and top products.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support for these events,” said the association in yesterday’s statement. “Registration is already open and the demand has been very high, indicating that the industry in the region is feeling optimistic and ready to celebrate along with their peers in the industry.”
It notes that despite the impact of the pandemic, there are many major projects that are resuming their construction - "some of the most iconic mega mixed-use master-planned projects that will change the face of the leisure tourism industry in the region."
The association told InterGame that projects valued at US$810bn will change the Saudi Arabia tourism landscape between 2020 and 2030. Among them the $500bn Neom is the largest and once completed will deliver a futuristic mega sustainable city. It is followed by $10bn on the Qiddiyah Project that will spread across 344sq.km close to Riyadh.
The association also said that Egypt is now showing a leading position in increased tourism, generating E£389bn towards the GDP in 2018. It said that 88 per cent of the direct travel and tourism contribution to Egypt comes from leisure spend, compared with 12 per cent for business spending.
But these are just examples of the potential, says Silvio Liedtke, vice-president of MENALAC. “Our conference provides a wonderful opportunity for all industry stakeholders to benefit from listening to the keynote speeches and panel discussions that will examine the current economic situation and focus on the business opportunities for our members.”
Commented Rosa Tahmaseb, secretary general: “Despite the current situation, the governments of the MENA countries are going ahead with the development of a good number of theme parks, attractions and leisure developments that will expand support the growth of our industry and create a variety of opportunities.”
