The hospitality sector across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is experiencing an extraordinary boom, as new research conducted by STR for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 reveals record-breaking expansion. Driven by an influx of high-spending travelers, government-led initiatives, and an increasing focus on luxury accommodations, the region is rapidly cementing its status as a global tourism powerhouse.

According to STR’s latest findings, the GCC’s aggregated Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) surged by 5.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth was primarily fueled by increased occupancy rates, which soared to 69.5%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. As major markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE implement transformative tourism strategies, industry leaders are leveraging opportunities to redefine luxury travel.

Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE’s Tourism Strategy Reshape Regional Landscape

Strategic initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ campaign are at the forefront of this unprecedented transformation. These policies focus on economic diversification, extensive infrastructure development, and a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape has been fundamentally reshaped, with giga-projects like NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Diriyah Gate attracting global attention. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to drive investment into ultra-luxury accommodations and cultural landmarks, further bolstering its position as a premier travel destination.

Luxury Hospitality Emerges as a Key Growth Driver

The STR study highlights the exponential rise in luxury hotel developments, which now represent 19% of total hotel rooms in the GCC—an increase from 16% a decade ago. This trend is expected to continue, with Saudi Arabia alone developing more luxury hotel rooms than its current total stock.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at ATM, emphasized the significance of this shift:

“Luxury hospitality remains a dominant force in shaping the region’s tourism growth. With an increasing demand for premium experiences, the GCC is poised to strengthen its status as a global luxury tourism hub. ATM 2025 will showcase the industry’s most innovative hospitality concepts, offering exclusive insights from top executives.”

Hospitality Giants and Industry Leaders Take Center Stage at ATM 2025

Scheduled from April 28 to May 1, ATM 2025 will bring together the most influential players in the industry. Leading hospitality brands—including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, Address Hotels + Resorts, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Kempinski, Kerzner International, The Peninsula Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts—are set to unveil their latest developments and strategic expansions.

Among the notable industry leaders speaking at the event is Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for India, the Middle East, and Africa. He underscored the region’s dynamic growth:

“GCC markets are entering an exciting phase of expansion, fueled by government-led initiatives, mega-project developments, and the rising demand for premium travel experiences. IHG is proud to contribute to this evolution, bringing world-class brands such as Regent, Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo to the region.”

Exclusive Industry Insights: Aviation and Hospitality Convergence

ATM 2025 will feature a series of high-impact panel discussions and keynote sessions. Haitham Mattar will host a session titled “Hospitality Redefined: Find Your Competitive Edge,” exploring the competitive dynamics shaping the GCC’s hospitality future.

Meanwhile, STR’s Director of Client Relationships, Sarah Duignan, will provide an in-depth analysis of how individual GCC markets are contributing to the region’s overall success, whether through occupancy rates, ADR growth, or a combination of both.

Additionally, Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen will lead a session titled “Connecting the Dots… Benchmarking Aviation and Hospitality,” delving into passenger trends, airlift expansion, and how connectivity is shaping the travel industry’s broader growth trajectory.

ATM 2025: A Global Platform for Business, Innovation, and Collaboration

Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025 is set to be the most impactful edition yet, drawing travel professionals, industry leaders, and investors from across the globe. With a focus on “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” the event will spotlight groundbreaking innovations reshaping the sector.

ATM 2025 serves as a key networking and business development platform, enabling attendees to forge valuable connections, gain actionable insights, and explore emerging trends shaping the future of travel and hospitality.

Strategic Partners for ATM 2025 Include:

• Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET): Destination Partner
• Emirates: Official Airline Partner
• IHG Hotels & Resorts: Official Hotel Partner
• Al Rais Travel: Official DMC Partner

As the GCC’s hospitality sector reaches new heights, ATM 2025 is poised to be the definitive forum for the industry’s most influential decision-makers. With an unparalleled lineup of experts, exclusive research insights, and the participation of global hospitality giants, this year’s event promises to set a new benchmark for the future of luxury tourism.

For more information, visit www.wtm.com/atm.

 

 

 

Written by: Bridget Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

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