2024 has been another stellar year for tourism in the GCC, that’s according to new data compiled by STR on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
In a shift from many other world regions, aggregated Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE last year rose by 5.4 per cent compared to 2023, fuelled primarily by an increase in occupancy rates.
In 2024, occupancy rates across the GCC reached 69.5 per cent, surpassing the levels observed prior to the pandemic, underscoring the region’s successful efforts to establish itself as a world-class tourism and investment hub.
The report also revealed that Average Daily Rate (ADR) grew by 2.4 per cent in the GCC last year, with the luxury hotel rooms segment significantly contributing to ADR growth. The region also added more than 35,000 hotel rooms over the last 10 years, with 19 per cent of rooms now belonging to the luxury category, growing from 16 per cent a decade ago.
Key government initiatives, notably Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ campaign have played a pivotal role in this transformation by promoting economic diversification, enhancing infrastructure, and elevating the overall tourism experience. These efforts aim to boost occupancy and establish the GCC as a competitive player in the global tourism landscape.
Speaking on the research, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, said; “Luxury hospitality continues to be a driving force behind the region’s tourism growth, offering exceptional experiences that attract high-spending travellers from around the world. Luxury hotel exhibitors will be a key part of ATM 2025, showcasing the innovative hospitality concepts that are redefining the industry. As demand for premium travel rises, the GCC is well-positioned to strengthen its reputation as a global luxury tourism hotspot.”
STR’s report suggests that hotel rooms under all phases of development will continue to be dominated by the luxury segment, stating that with more than 33,000 rooms under development, Saudi Arabia alone has more luxury rooms in the pipeline than currently exist in the country.
ATM 2025 will showcase a diverse array of leading hospitality brands, including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, Address Hotels + Resorts, Hilton Worldwide and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Middle East. The event will also feature exclusive insights from top industry experts, including Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, MEA & Southwest Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, who are shaping the future of the region’s hospitality sector.
During the event, Mattar will host a session titled “Hospitality redefined, find your competitive edge”, which will address the challenges and opportunities shaping growth across the MEA and Southwest Asia regions. In addition, Sarah Duignan, Director, Client Relationships, STR will discuss passenger trends, airlift and shaping the travel industry’s broader growth in the session “Connecting the dots… benchmarking aviation and hospitality.”
ATM 2025, which will take place from April 28 to May 1, brings together travel professionals from around the world to share exclusive insights and visions on the future of the industry. Across four days, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with leading industry experts, forge new connections, and uncover fresh perspectives.
In line with this edition's theme, ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, ATM will shine a spotlight on the innovators reshaping the sector. Bringing together professionals and industry leaders from the leisure, MICE, luxury and corporate travel sectors, ATM provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities, allowing participants to explore the latest trends, innovations, and developments worldwide.
