Dubai: The Middle East should capitalise on the flood of interest and investment in the leisure sector to increase its ranking in the global tourism market, industry sources said.
The region is considered one of the most dynamic leisure markets today with investments in leisure and tourism projects expected to reach $3 trillion over the next 20 years and consumer spending at parks and attractions is likely to quadruple to over $200 million in 2011.
"The potential for more and more visitors to this region's attractions is so great. The reason, clearly, is the sheer number of exciting and incredible projects on the horizon," said Charlie Bray, president and chief executive of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
Billions of dollars have already been committed to building a number of theme parks and attractions in the Middle East.
Projects include Dubailand, a massive development that will feature a host of attractions, Aquaventure waterpark at The Palm's Atlantis and a Para-mount Pictures-branded theme park - all in Dubai.
In the pipeline
Elsewhere, other projects scheduled to open in the next few years are Ferrari World and a Warner Brothers-themed park in Abu Dhabi, a theme park complex in Ras Al Khaimah and Entertainment City in Qatar.
"Combining rides, shopping, water activities, entertainment, dining and hotels all in one site is a great way to satisfy many vacationers' desire for some variety in their stay, and thus extend that stay into a complete escape of three, four, five, or even seven days," Bray said.
"Clearly, there is a lot happening. I encourage you to seize the opportunities, for it is indeed an exciting time to be a part of the booming attractions and leisure business in this region," Bray said in his speech at a recent Tourism Development Projects and Investment Market panel in Dubai.
Patrick Samaha, Wild Discovery Tourism and Holidays general manager, said the region should develop and promote the existing and future leisure projects to attract more visitors to the Middle East.
"It is a golden opportunity to attract more tourists and benefit from the financial boom that is reflected in the increase of the purchasing power of individuals here and at the same time increase the share of visitors looking for new leisure destinations from other parts of the world," Samaha added.
Last year, the UAE held 18th spot in the World Economic Forum's first annual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.
According to estimates, the entertainment and leisure segment of the Middle East's tourism sector posts Dh36.7 billion annual revenues, with yearly growth at 20 to 25 per cent.
"These projections are bolstered by reports that five to 10 per cent of all new retail space being dedicated to family entertainment and amusement offerings," Bray said.
