RASHA TABILA (ABU DHABI)

As the year 2024 approaches, representatives of the hospitality sector anticipate continued growth in tourism demand, accompanied by a “dramatic” expansion and development of hotel facilities and sustainable initiatives, along with the construction and opening of new hotels.

In remarks to Aletihad, the sector representatives said that the UAE continues to reinforce its position as a unique tourism destination, which is home to cultural and heritage sites that boast distinct architecture and luxury services, attracting visitors from various global markets.

Authentic Cultural Experiences at the Heart of the Empty Quarter Desert

General Manager at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi, Jean-Paul Dantil forecasts that the year 2024 will witness a growing demand for authentic Emirati cultural experiences.

“This trend is compatible with the charming character of Qasr Al Sarab, as it constitutes an ideal sanctuary for tourists who wish to learn first-hand about local culture. It also provides the best authentic hospitality experiences from its unique location at the heart of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted desert,” he said.

Dantil noted that guests at the resort can enjoy a unique collection of diverse activities, including participating in educational tours to learn about traditional Emirati arts, such as knitting and embroidery, in addition to interacting with local animals in the UAE, such as Saluki dogs, horses, camels, gazelles, and hawks.

“Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara aims to embrace the rising popularity of authentic cultural experiences among tourists during the year 2024, by relying on its unique geographic location and the UAE’s leading position as a prominent tourism hub in the region,” Dantil added.

He affirmed the resort’s commitment to shedding light on the picturesque nature and rich cultural heritage of the UAE with the purpose of enhancing the country’s flourishing tourism economy.

UAE Attracts Visitors from Across the Globe

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa General Manager, Stefan Fuchs noted that the UAE plays a pivotal role in the global tourism market, attracting visitors with its incredible architecture, vibrant culture, and luxurious lifestyle.

The stunning natural landscapes, sunny sandy beaches, and historical sites of Ras Al Khaimah have allowed it to establish itself as a primary tourism destination in the UAE, he added, affirming that the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa embodies a commitment to providing “a luxurious and exceptional hospitality” for its guests.

Fuchs also predicted that the hospitality industry in 2024 will witness a growth in tourism demand, particularly on personal, sustainable and health experiences, in addition to a rise in hotels’ occupancy rates.

General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, David Wilson, said: “The UAE plays a significant role in regional tourism due to its modern infrastructure, diverse attractions, strategic location, stability and security … [and] offers a wide range of experiences that meet the needs of its diverse demographic structure.”

He added that the UAE’s ability to adopt and launch innovative strategies sustains its success as a pioneering tourism destination.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah celebrates the 10th anniversary of its establishment in 2024, according to Wilson, who noted its commitment to adopting market transitions that align with the values of its brand and its commercial goals. For example, one of the hotel’s newly-adopted initiatives includes using vegan products at the health spa, in addition to implementing modern expansions and a full renovation at one of its cafes.

Pavlina Tarabova Alghamdi, the General Manager of Meliá Desert Palm in Dubai, a member of the Meliá Collection, predicts a “moderate and consistent” growth in the number of visitors, during the year 2024. She also forecast a “moderate” growth in the average daily room rate and an increase in occupancy rates.

Alghamdi added that the UAE continues to offer diverse tourism experiences, organising several events and witnessing a continuous activity in markets which were popular before the COVID-19 pandemic, through “strengthening relations with travel agents, wholesale dealers, and online booking platforms”.

She further predicted that the “momentum” recorded by Asian markets will continue during the year 2024.

First Dorchester Hotel in the Middle East Region

Richard Alexander, the general manager for The Lana by Dorchester Collection, which will open its doors in Dubai in February 2024, said: “The UAE has become a destination that attracts tourists from all over the world, and an incubator for innovative ideas and concepts, as it provides state-of-the-art luxury accommodation facilities.”

He noted that this is what led Dorchester Collection to open The Lana, its first hotel in the Middle East region, at Marasi Drive street in the Business Bay in Dubai “near the heart of the vibrant Emirate”.

“The UAE has succeeded in reaching its leading position due to its prominent global presence, its keenness for pioneering development based on the latest technologies, and we find that the opportunities that abound in the country are in line with our philosophy and commitment to excellence,” said Alexander.

“Dubai provides a global destination that embraces visitors from across the world, which makes it an ideal place to support our vision, and we look forward to contribut- ing to enhancing its position as a leading hospitality destination,” he added.