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