Middle East
still a long way ahead with a record 94,000 Brits visiting during August alone – even in the summer heat – and up 30% on 2014. And the numbers are likely to continue upwards, given the ambitious target of attracting 20 million tourists a year by 2020; this year it expects to welcome 14 million. Dubai Tourism is focusing on attracting the
family market, with significant investment in attractions such as the forthcoming Dubai Parks & Resorts complex, which will feature three different theme parks. And much of Dubai’s new hotel development is in the mid-market three- and four-star segments. But this certainly doesn’t mean luxury is being neglected – new properties still to come in 2016 include Jumeirah Al Naseem, which will be the fourth hotel at the Madinat Jumeirah complex, and the Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah, as well as a second Four Seasons. Most operators agree Dubai’s constant
stream of new hotels is keeping the market buoyant, despite civil unrest in some parts of the Middle East and, of course, the recent tragedy of
the Metrojet flight in Sharm el Sheikh. But as a Kuoni spokesperson says: “There had already been a slowdown for Morocco and Egypt after the Tunisia attack, so the suspension of Sharm flights was unlikely to have any further impact as we’ve already seen the downturn. Dubai has not been impacted – it continues to trade well.” Carolina Svensson, Middle East product and
purchasing manager for Simply Luxury by Travel 2, says overall growth in travel to the Gulf region has been “predominantly driven by Dubai”. “It is by far the most popular destination in
the region for luxury travel,” she adds. Sheena Paton, Kuoni UK’s commercial and
product manager, agrees: “Dubai has seen a strong performance. But we are also seeing growth in popularity for Abu Dhabi, with luxury product such as Yas Viceroy, Emirates Palace and Shangri-La, as well as interest in the upcoming cultural developments there.” Arrivals from the UK between January and
September stood at 159,200 for Abu Dhabi – a 16% rise – and investment in agent training
DESTINATIONS WINTER 2015
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