From booming hotel demands to the unveiling of new brands and fleet deployment, Dubai sets the scene for an exciting year in travel and tourism.
Skyrocketing demand incentivises new hotel projects
Dubai’s hotel inventory may have reached 150,408 rooms in January 2024, representing a 2% YoY increase, but demand still significantly outpaces the forthcoming supply.
With the Emirate setting ambitious targets to welcome 23-25 million inbound tourists by 2025, this presents lucrative opportunities for investment in the hospitality sector.
At Arabian Travel Market, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing H.E. Issam Kazim emphasised the pressing need for additional attractions and accommodations to meet soaring demands, commenting, “This means for us, there is always an opportunity from an investment perspective to create more attractions and more hotel rooms.”
Hoor Al Khaja, Senior VP of International Operations at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) echoed this sentiment by saying in another interview, “We have already had an increase in hotel rooms in the last few years, and investment (in the sector) will continue to flow. And it won’t be across just one segment such as resorts or budget (stays), but across different places in the city to ensure the supply is also diverse so that we get all kinds of visitors.”
Dubai enjoyed 17 million international visitors in 2023.
Emirates smashes its results announcements, rewards staff, plus confirms new A350 destinations
What a year! Emirates released their 2023/24 results with an impressive USD4.7m profit. The carrier now boasts a network of more than 150 destinations, served by 260 aircraft and supported by an employee group of 63,000 staff.
For more detail, the Emirates Group 2023-24 Annual Report is here.
Emirates staff have no doubt plenty to smile about following recent reports of an epic 20 week bonus to be offered in recognition of their ‘heroic efforts’ following the company’s record profit announcement.
Not one to rest on their laurels, Emirates is continuing to innovate. Their A350 fleet will start serving a range of European, West Asian and Middle Eastern cities from September 2024. Bahrain will be the first to welcome the A350, starting on 15 September, Kuwait and Muscat to follow shortly thereafter. Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Colombo will receive the A350 from 27 October.
A350 flights to Lyon and Bologna will start from 1 December, while services to Edinburgh commence 4 November, the farthest destination serviced by the A350s.
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts rebrands
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts has rebranded to Jumeirah. With refreshed logos and the renaming of iconic properties like Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to Jumeirah Burj Al Araband Jumeirah Mina A’Salam to Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, the renowned hospitality brand has taken this step as part of its accelerated growth strategy.
According to Jumeirah’s COO Thomas B. Meier, “Refining our visual identity and enhancing our guest experience is the first step on a journey of regional and international expansion.”
The reveal follows the recent appointment of Michael Grieve as Chief Brand Officer in March 2024. The brand’s revitalised vision emphasises boutique-style properties with a focus on suites, villas, and residences, aligning with evolving guest preferences. Exciting additions to Jumeirah’s portfolio include the upcoming Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, inspired by a superyacht and boasting 386 rooms, suites, and penthouses. With a private beach, wellness areas, landscaped gardens and 10 dining options, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab promises an unparalleled luxury experience, set to welcome guests by the end of 2024.
