Tourism Sector Research Highlights
The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023
Tourism & Culture Sector Analysis
Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry witnessed substantial growth in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. The economy was insulated by government policies and relief packages during the crisis...
The Report: Saudi Arabia 2023
Tourism Sector Analysis
Saudi Arabia, with its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, is rapidly transforming into a global tourism destination, a trend driven by Vision 2030, the country’s blueprint for...
The Report: Bahrain 2023
Tourism Sector Analysis
Bahrain is implementing a long-term strategy to transform its tourism sector into a major engine of growth under Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification...
Tourism Sector Analyses
OverviewHow Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a tourism destination
Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry underwent significant growth in the years preceding the Covid-19 pandemic. The emirate’s economy received a substantial degree of insulation through government policies and relief packages during the pandemic, while measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus were prompt and effective. Abu Dhabi’s tourism operators are now enjoying the return of international visitors, and the sector as a whole has rebounded well. Indeed, tourism and cultural activities are being...
Interview
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
On efforts to develop new cultural projects in the emirate
Analysis
GCC promotes the region as a leading tourism destination
In 2022 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), in 2022 international arrivals in the Middle East recovered to 83% of the levels prior to the onset of the pandemic, outperforming all other regions...
Interview
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral
On collaborating with international stakeholders and meeting sustainability goals
Analysis
Why emerging markets are turning to sustainable tourism
As emerging markets develop new attractions and tap into new visitor source markets, they are leveraging technology and sustainable development in line with emissions targets. Following sharp declines in 2020, international tourism figures rebounded in 2021 to reach approximately 63% of pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels in 2022. Notably, in September of that year arrivals in the Middle East and the Caribbean surpassed 2019 levels by 3% and 1%, respectively...
Tourism in Emerging Markets
Economic ViewMichael Michael, CEO, Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) and Qatar Business Events Corporation
On catering to local and global audiences with new technologies and safety measures
Economic News
The growth trajectory of religious tourism in key markets
With many emerging markets diversifying their tourism offerings, faith-based tourism is set to become a key segment for a number of markets worldwide. An estimated 330m people travel for religious reasons each year, according to the UN Word Tourism Organisation, forming a significant market for countries with attractions of spiritual or sacred value. These trips include pilgrimages as well as sightseeing trips to important historical and religious sites throughout the year. Additionally, a 2017 study reported that some...
Economic News
The innovations that could revitalise tourism in emerging markets
As emerging markets develop new attractions and tap into new visitor source markets, they are leveraging technology and sustainable development in line with emissions targets. Following sharp declines in 2020, international tourism figures rebounded in 2021 and were on track to reach approximately 65% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Notably, in September arrivals in the Middle East and the Caribbean surpassed 2019 levels by 3% and 1%, respectively...
Growth And Recovery Video
Report: The role of sustainability in post-pandemic tourism diversification in the Bahamas
Small island nations like the Bahamas that rely heavily on tourism revenue have experienced particular challenges when it comes to their post-pandemic recovery. However, development strategies based on sustainable approaches – including green, blue and orange economy initiatives – have the potential to generate reliable sources of revenue and value addition in the years ahead. Tourism will continue to be the Bahamas’ leading economic sector, but with support from international financial institutions and banks...
Economic News
How can the tourism industry achieve net zero?
The global tourism industry – which accounted for 10% of GDP yet 8% of global emissions in 2019 – is faced with the challenge of ensuring continued growth while at the same time working towards net-zero emissions goals. Several stakeholders in emerging markets and further afield offer useful case studies to understand what a decarbonised future for the industry could look like. A report published in November last year by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme...
Growth And Recovery Video
Video: How is Peru’s tourism agenda bolstering the sector's resurgence?
Explore how Peru is leveraging its tourism sector's development as a growth driver for the rest of the economy. Our new Growth & Recovery video, produced in partnership with the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperu), analyses the emergence of new drivers of growth and investment within Peru’s tourism sector. Attracted by a business-friendly regulatory environment, regional and international investors have increased investments into the sector and are pursuing new high-growth areas...
Economic News
Can border reopenings revive tourism in South-east Asia?
After 18 months of travel restrictions, a number of countries in South-east Asia have begun opening their borders to foreign visitors to stoke recovery in their respective tourism industries. In late September Thailand announced a four-phase plan to reopen the country by prioritising key tourist destinations. As of November 1 quarantine requirements will no longer apply to vaccinated travellers from 10 low-risk countries – among them China, Germany, Singapore, the UK and the US – while various different parts of the country will...