GCC’s hospitality industry is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% between 2023 and 2028, reaching approximately $48.1 billion by 2028, said the latest report by a UAE-based investment banking advisory firm.

The comprehensive report, released by Alpen Capital on June 11, features in-depth analysis and forecasts for the hospitality sector, examining recent trends, growth drivers and challenges facing this dynamic segment.

Additionally, the report profiles select hospitality companies operating in the region.

The report was launched over a webinar followed by a panel discussion featuring Ghazi D Mousharafieh, Chief Financial Officer, Rotana Hotel Management; Vijay Raghavan, Group Finance Director, Arenco Group; Hala Matar Choufany, President - Middle East, Africa & South Asia, HVS; Ian Arnott, Head of Hospitality Development, Al Tamimi & Company and Sanjay Bhatia, Managing Director, Alpen Capital. Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director, Alpen Capital moderated the discussion.

“After making a remarkable recovery post Covid-19 pandemic, the GCC hospitality sector is poised for robust growth and transformative changes in the coming years,” said Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited.

“Growth of the sector is expected to be spurred by economic recovery, thriving tourism and concerted efforts of the governments to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues.

“Significant investments in infrastructure improvements, including airport expansions, construction of luxury hotels and resorts, accompanied by promotion of MICE and corporate tourism, is estimated to attract a record number of tourists.

“A key aspect for the hospitality sector is digital transformation, which is enabling the operators to deliver tailored services, elevating the overall guest experience and fostering loyalty.”

Sanjay Bhatia, Managing Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Ltd, said: “A rising trend towards sustainable tourism and responsible travel is gaining ground across the GCC’s hospitality sector due to increasing ecological awareness among consumers worldwide.

“The tourism industry is experiencing a surge in the popularity of new segments, such as cultural tourism and health and wellness tourism, reflecting evolving consumer likings and lifestyles.

“Despite market competition and geopolitical uncertainties, the industry continues to strategically enhance visitor experiences and stimulate demand through innovation and consolidation.

“We expect to witness healthy domestic and cross-border M&A activity, as the sector advances to respond to the rising demand for accommodation and hospitality services.”

This robust growth is fuelled by the unified efforts of the GCC countries in prioritising hospitality as a key element of their long-term diversification strategies.

Furthermore, steady economic growth, increasing tourist arrivals and a multitude of mega MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and sporting events to be hosted in the region will support the projected growth.

The growth in the hospitality sector revenue of individual GCC countries is expected to range from a CAGR of 6.9% to 11.0% between 2023 and 2028.

Saudi Arabia is projected to grow in line with the GCC average of 7.5%, supported by numerous government-led initiatives as part of its Vision 2030, whereas the UAE is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9%, backed by the government's focus on modernising infrastructure and easing tourist visa rules.

Smaller markets are expected to witness high growth rates during the forecast period, with Qatar at 11.0%, Kuwait at 10.5% and, Oman and Bahrain at 9.0% CAGR. 

Given the projected growth of the GCC’s hospitality sector, its three key operating metrics – Occupancy Rate, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) – are expected to improve over the next five years.

The occupancy rate in the GCC is estimated to rise consistently due to increasing tourist arrivals. It is forecasted to grow from 64.6% in 2023 to 69.3% in 2028. ADR is expected to increase at a CAGR of 1.9% during the same period, from $166.4 to $182.7, whereas RevPAR is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from $107.5 in 2023 to $126.6 in 2028.

The GCC is solidifying its global tourism footprint through successful hosting of major MICE, cultural and sporting events. Anticipated to attract millions of tourists, these events are poised to bolster the growth of the hospitality industry.

Moreover, the region has implemented several liberalised measures to further boost tourist inflow, including initiatives such as unified GCC visas, Dubai's five-year multiple-entry visa and Saudi Arabia's instant e-visa options.

Regional and religious tourism are pivotal to the GCC’s economic diversification strategy, prompting implementation of unique models of engagement to enhance activity in these areas.

Concurrently, the GCC continues to invest in its transport infrastructure by expanding airport capacity, constructing new airports, and building a rail network for better regional and international connectivity. These efforts are expected to support tourism activity and increase the demand for hospitality related services. 

As per the report, the hospitality sector is facing challenges stemming from global economic uncertainties and geopolitical conflicts. Concerns about inflation and monetary policies may dampen consumer confidence, leading to reduced discretionary spending on international travel.

Furthermore, a shortage of skilled workers presents a significant hurdle to the sector's growth trajectory, hindering its ability to recruit and retain trained professionals for various roles.

The GCC hospitality sector has undergone a significant shift towards digitalisation, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences.

Operators are leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud platforms, and mobile apps to personalize experiences and enhance customer engagement.

In tandem, the region is embracing sustainable tourism by adopting eco-friendly practices and conservation initiatives, to meet the growing demand for responsible travel. Moreover, there is a rapid growth in cultural, health, and wellness tourism, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and a commitment to environmental conservation.

Alpen Capital anticipates that the industry will strategically enhance visitor experiences and stimulate demand through innovation and consolidation. This proactive approach positions the GCC hospitality sector to navigate uncertainties and uphold its prominent status in the global tourism market. – TradeArabia News Service