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Dubai: Global
tourism indicators show that 2008 will be a slower
year but the Middle East is demonstrating incredible
resilience with hotel brands expanding their
property portfolios at a ferocious speed, according
to Deloitte's latest report.
"In 2007, the region had the largest increase in
visitors in the world at about 13 per cent with
Saudi Arabia enjoying one of the best growth rates
across the region at almost 51 per cent. The region
had the largest rise in air passengers in 2007 as
well, and is spending around $43 billion [Dh157.81
billion] improving its airports," said Omar Fahoum,
chief executive of Deloitte Middle East.
He said the Middle East is now achieving the
strongest levels of occupancy and average room rates
in the world and with the second fastest growth
rate; a five year run of double-digit growth is now
looking to be a certainty.
"The aviation industry is responding to the surge in
tourist arrivals by strengthening existing
connections and introducing new routes, giving
access to an increasing number of source markets.
Several low cost carriers have recently expanded and
entered into the market making it easier to travel
locally," he said.
In 2007, the Middle East had the world's fastest
growing air traffic - up more than 18 per cent and
the world's fastest growing tourist arrivals - up 13
per cent, knocking Asia pacific into second place.
He said in Dubai, around $14.3 billion (Dh52.48
billion) will be spent in the next five years on
tourism infrastructure, such as roads, metro system
and a water taxi scheme.
He said global tourism is expected to generate about
$8 trillion (Dh29.36 trillion) this year despite the
financial turmoil.
"There has been exceptionally strong growth in
markets like Egypt and Jordan, which have lagged
behind in recent years; while Oman, offering a more
cultured experience than the year-round "suntan with
shopping" slogan of some destinations in the Gulf,
saw a massive rise in revenue per available room [revPAR]
in 2007, up by more than 50 per cent," he said.
Rob O'Hanlon, Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure
Partner for Deloitte Middle East, said: "So far in
2008, the region's hotels are enjoying some of the
world's highest occupancy figures, strongest revPAR
and best average room rates, and with predictions
that international visitor numbers here will grow
between 6-10 per cent in 2008, compared to a global
rate of 3-4 per cent, there seem to be few clouds to
spoil the region's sunny outlook," Omar said.
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