ME to outgrow other tourist destinations by 2020

Aiming to leverage the long-term potential of the Middle East hospitality industry, which is expected to record robust growth rates and reach an estimated 68.5 million arrivals by 2020, Al Basel Consultancy has devised an up-selling strategy for its joint sales campaign in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar targeting VIPs and royalties.
Al Basel is highlighting its growth in line with World Tourism Organisation’s “Tourism 2020 Vision” which estimates international travel to the Middle East to grow at a significantly faster rate than other competing global destinations, opening a host of possibilities and opportunities for the region's hospitality and tourism operators. From around 46.4 mln in 2007, WTO estimates arrivals in different Middle Eastern destinations to reach 68.5 mln by 2020, representing a growth rate of 7.1% over the period 1995-2019.
The Address Hotels + Resorts, the 5-star hotel brand owned by Emaar Hospitality Group, has partnered with Al Basel Consultancy to promote The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace, The Old Town to an extensive regional network of hotel clients, including members of royal families and VIPs.
“The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town are two premium hotels that have strong potential to become favourite destinations of the region's high-end customers,” said Basel Al Kasem, CEO, Al Basel Consultancy.
Emaar owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality and leisure projects and assets worth USD 1 bln (AED 3.67 bln), including hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, a polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and marinas.