Dubailand CEO urges tourism investment strategy at WEF

DUBAI — The biggest challenge facing the Middle East tourism industry today is not the number of rooms occupied but how much tourists spend outside their hotels each day, according to Salem bin Dasmal, CEO of Dubailand, a member of Tatweer.

By Staff Reporter

Published: Sun 21 May 2006, 11:26 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 3:46 PM

Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East, being held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Salem bin Dasmal pointed out that according to the World Trade Organisation's latest figures, the average daily spend by a tourist after his arrival to North America is $1,140 per day, and $820 in Asia-Pacific, in contrast to $590 in the Middle East.

This indicates that the average daily spend in the Middle East is 48 per cent and 28 per cent lower than that of North America and Asia-Pacific respectively.

"Why is this?" Bin Dasmal asked. "The simple answer is that there is little or nothing for tourists to spend their money on outside their hotels in our part of the world.

"Investors put their money into real estate projects, such as hotels, and consider this to be a sound investment. However, if the region's tourism industry is to develop and be sustained in the long term, an alternative investment strategy must be implemented.

"In Dubai, we have already embarked on this alternative investment strategy and we are creating a model for the rest of the Middle East with themed leisure entertainment investments, such as Dubailand," Bin Dasmal said.

Addressing the WEF session on 'Developing an innovative investment climate: The Case of Tourism', Bin Dasmal explained that Dubailand is three billion square feet land which will feature over 26 major projects providing over 50 attractions.

"The future of the Middle East tourism industry can only be assured through the development of resort destinations, such as Dubailand, that provide a real alternative to destinations like Orlando," said Bin Dasmal.

"Today's tourists want more than stand alone hotels, offering little more than a beach, a swimming pool and a selection of restaurants. Orlando, and similar resort destinations, has provided a business blueprint which countries throughout the Middle East can use as a springboard to ensure the region's tourist industry contributes a greater share of GDP."