Tourism Sector Research Highlights
The Report: Ajman 2025
Tourism & Culture Sector Analysis
Ajman’s tourism strategy combines infrastructure investment with cultural preservation to appeal to both regional and international travellers. Developments like the Al Zorah Seaport, revitalised...
Oman Vision 2040 shaping the future of tourism and sustainability
Salim M. AlMahruqi, Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Azzan AlBusaidi, Oman's Undersecretary of Tourism
In this Global platform video, Salim M. AlMahruqi, Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Azzan AlBusaidi, Oman's Undersecretary of Tourism, talk about Oman Vision 2040 as a strategic plan aimed...
Report: Strategic investment driving green energy, digital innovation and sustainable growth in Oman
Oman is embarking on a transformative journey under Vision 2040, combining innovation and sustainability to redefine its economic landscape. This report showcases...
What's driving Saudi Arabia's fast-growing cultural sector?
In this Market Profile video, “The Report on the State of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023: Sustainability in the Cultural Sector" launches, exploring developments in the Kingdom’s...
Tourism Sector Analyses
OverviewAjman attracts tourism investment from local, international backing
With tourism a key focus of the emirate’s central development plan, known as Ajman Vision 2030, this geographically diverse emirate is well-positioned for expansion in the travel and hospitality sector. Able to leverage a dual offering as both a coastal and urban location on the Gulf and as a mountain retreat – thanks to the mountainous exclaves of Manama and Masfout – Ajman has a unique and contrasting range of possibilities for visitors. At the same time, the emirate is located just 10 km from Sharjah International Airport and...
Interview
Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General, Ajman Tourism Development Department
On utilising global tourism and cultural events to enhance visibility and appeal
Analysis
Ajman boosts tourism with cultural and artistic attractions
Under Ajman Vision 2030, the unique cultural and artistic heritage of this corner of the UAE is fully recognised in the emirate’s plans for tourism development. Possessing a range of attractions from forts to festivals, and souqs to traditional hill villages, Ajman also has the ability to combine this heritage with modern hotels, entertainment and retail experiences – all within a short distance of one another. This is a great asset in the development of Ajman’s hospitality sector, while also providing a strong driver for local small business...
Analysis
How Gulf countries are promoting the region as a travel destination
In 2024 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 UN Tourism, the Middle East, with 95m arrivals, remained the strongest-performing region when compared to 2019, with international arrivals 32% above pre-pandemic levels in 2024, though 1% higher compared to 2023...
Overview
Bahrain leverages cultural heritage to boost tourism
With a long history as a centre for hotels and hospitality in the Gulf region, Bahrain is embarking on a journey to propel its tourism sector forwards. This move comes on the back of solid growth over the last several years, despite the severe setback to the global travel and leisure industry as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty exacerbated by recent conflicts, this expansion unfolds, signalling Bahrain’s resilience and determination to forge ahead in the tourism arena...
Interview
Site development: Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism
On leveraging the kingdom’s cultural heritage to attract visitors
Report: How is Saudi Arabia leveraging sustainable practices to transform its cultural sector?
Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a strategic commitment to preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s rich history, national...
The Report: Bahrain 2024
Tourism Sector Analysis
Known for its long history in hospitality, Bahrain is expanding its tourism offerings, which include cultural, heritage, adventure and coastal attractions. Manama’s selection as the Gulf Tourism Capital...
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...
Report: How can the private sector capitalise on opportunities in the Saudi leisure industry?
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a period of sweeping social transformation and economic diversification underpinned by Vision 2030. This is creating a fertile environment for private businesses to expand...
The Report: Saudi Arabia 2024
Tourism & Culture Sector Analysis
Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry has transformed rapidly since the Kingdom began issuing tourist visas in 2019. As part of its Vision 2030 plan, the government is investing heavily to make the country...
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