The hospitality sector, including FECs and other attractions, in the MENA region is continuing to thrive, says a new report. The first three months of the year had shown that there continued to be growth, demand and supply throughout the region.
It showed that Egypt is the best performer in the first quarter with occupancy levels at its hotels reflecting double-digit increases. The Red Sea resorts are cited as the fastest-growing.
KSA, notably in the Dammam and Khobar region, was up 11 per cent in hotel occupancy but mostly through the demand from the oil industry. However in the quarter, Jeddah and Madinah showed a fall in demand but that will improve shortly through initiatives by the Saudi tourism authorities. Some projects have been delayed but overall growth of 19 per cent is forecast between this year and the end of 2021.
UAE occupancy declined but Abu Dhabi was up and the impact of the Asian Cup competition this year helped income levels. The opening of the Yas Bay Arena and Clymb the indoor skydiving and wall climbing centre this year will see Abu Dhabi achieve greater improvements.
Dubai will see 6,500 more hotel rooms opened this year in anticipation of the Expo 2020 and Ras Al Khaimah is still focusing on developing adventure and eco-tourism.
Analysis showed that Kuwait, Muscat and Amman were all in decline in terms of hotel room demand.
