Abu Dhabi: A new report by project research and intelligence provider BNC Network shows the growing focus on tourism sector development by the governments of Gulf countries- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait- gradually trying to diversify revenue base and reduce dependence on hydrocarbon, according to the Dubai-based BNC.
“With the upcoming mega events such as Expo 2020 in Dubai and the World Cup in Qatar, the GCC governments are obviously preparing themselves for major global events that require additional hotel and tourism facilities that also will help them diversify revenue sources,” said Avin Gidwani, Chief Executive Officer of BNC Network.
The Regional tourism sector will get a major boost in the years to come, thanks to the ongoing economic integration process and as the GCC countries prepares to develop a common market and once the physical infrastructure — such as the GCC rail networks connect the major cities, he noted.
Border formalities
“People from one city will travel to the other for overnight stay and return without having to cross the border formalities — such as the European Union. The region is preparing for such heavy tourism traffic. There will be a time when people will board a train from Ras Al Khaimah [in UAE] to perform Umrah [an extra, optional pilgrimage that does not count as the once-in-a-lifetime Hajj] in Makkah [Saudi Arabia] and return to Ras Al Khaimah a day later,” Gidwani added.
In March, there is an increase of 1 per cent in terms of number as well as in dollar value in the GCC’s hospitality projects as compared to February, 2017. In March, seven hospitality projects with a combined estimated value of around $1.1 billion (Dh4.0 billion) were put on hold in the GCC. The largest hospitality project in dollar terms to be put on hold was Business Park and Hotel located in the Heart of Jeddah worth $600 million (Dh2.2 billion), according to the BNC report.
