The UAE’s tourism sector remains well positioned for long-term growth, supported by continued investment, strong infrastructure and expanding air connectivity, according to Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Luxury, Europe Middle East & Africa and Global Leader, Design Hotels, Marriott International.

Speaking as Arabian Travel Market gets underway, Walia said the UAE continues to demonstrate resilience as a leading global tourism destination, despite varying operating conditions across parts of the wider region.

"The UAE has consistently demonstrated its strength as one of the world's leading tourism destinations, underpinned by world-class infrastructure, strong public-private collaboration and continued investment in aviation, hospitality and visitor experiences.

"While we are navigating different operating environments across parts of the region today, our long-term outlook remains highly positive. Travel has repeatedly proven its resilience, and the fundamentals supporting growth across the Middle East remain firmly in place."

Walia pointed to continued demand for travel as a key indicator of the region’s underlying strength.

He highlighted the expansion of regional airline networks and capacity, rising visitor numbers across destinations in the UAE and wider Middle East, and government investment in tourism as a driver of economic diversification.

"Our confidence is reinforced by the sustained appetite for travel across the region. Regional airlines continue to expand their networks and capacity, destinations across the UAE and wider Middle East are welcoming growing numbers of visitors, and governments are investing in tourism as a key driver of economic diversification."

The comments come as the regional travel industry gathers in Dubai for Arabian Travel Market, with hospitality companies, airlines, tourism authorities and travel businesses assessing opportunities across the Middle East.

Walia said Marriott International remains confident in the region’s long-term prospects and intends to position its business to benefit from future growth while strengthening relationships with guests and partners.

"We remain confident in the UAE and the wider region's long-term growth story and focused on being well positioned to capture future opportunities while creating lasting value for our guests and partners." -TradeArabia News Service