The regional travel industry is booming, buoyed by increased confidence, pent-up demand and MENA countries’ successful efforts to position themselves globally as attractive destinations. However, today’s travelers have different requirements, priorities and wish lists. Ten industry experts explain how their hotel brand is adapting to accommodate a new era of guests, while also sharing their far-reaching regional expansion plans.

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Since the foundation of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in 1961, we have constantly evolved to meet the changing needs and desires of our guests, residents and employees, while expanding our portfolio. We currently operate 126 hotels and resorts with 53 residential properties in major city centers and resort destinations across 47 countries. In addition, we have over 50 projects under planning and development worldwide.

Consumer trends to note
We have continually raised the bar on providing services that enhance the stay experience for guests by anticipating needs and offering innovative solutions. In 2015, we introduced our mobile application, making it easier for guests to check in and out, book airport transfers and make dining reservations. In 2017, we introduced Four Seasons Chat, an award-winning platform that allows guests to connect with our staff before, during and after their stay in over 100 languages.
In terms of sustainability, our environmental, social and governance (ESG) program, allows us to leave a lasting, positive impact on our communities, centred on two pillars: planet (environmental impact) and people (social impact).

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
We are experiencing incredible momentum and interest, especially within the MENA region. To meet the rise in demand, we have scheduled upcoming hotel and residential projects to be opened in Diriyah, Jeddah, Neom and the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Within other key GCC markets, we have several new properties lined up for Doha at The Pearl-Qatar, Muscat and new residences in Bahrain Bay. Additionally, we have plans to further expand our presence in Egypt, with upcoming projects located in New Cairo Capital and Luxor. The Middle East continues to be of great importance to Four Seasons given the region’s distinct heritage and culture of warmness and hospitality.

MICE and business travel revival
At Four Seasons, we embrace a flexible, dynamic and proactive approach to provide those traveling for business with the tools needed to achieve the core purpose of their travels. At the same time, we believe that guests traveling for business shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to leisure, luxury and comfortability.
With the return of MICE and business travel, we continue to see growing demand for creative meeting spaces and interactive events. We strive to obtain a deep understanding of what is required at our destinations and then identify the best way to provide what’s needed. This includes technology-backed solutions to help hold meetings and other on-demand services. We are proud to host corporate events that celebrate the spirit of bringing people together to connect with one another and customize the details of every stay and occasion.

In the MENA pipeline for 2023 onwards
Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Muscat (Oman); Four Seasons Hotel Luxor and Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital and Madinaty (Egypt); Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah at the Corniche, Four Seasons upcoming Resort Neom on Sindalah, Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah and Four Seasons Resort at the Red Sea (Saudi Arabia).

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Radisson Hotel Group has been in the region since 1980 and in Saudi Arabia since 2002. Today, the Kingdom makes up 50 percent of our portfolio in the Middle East. The Radisson family of brands can be found around the world in more than 120 countries, with currently over 1,700 hotels in operation and under development. Radisson Hotel Group operates the business in EMEA and APAC with over 1,150 hotels in operation and under development.

Consumer trends to note
One notable trend is the resurgence of business travel and the rise of workcations. The increased vaccination rates and easing of travel restrictions have led to a demand for in-person connections, team reunions and conference attendance. Experiential tourism is another prominent trend, with travelers seeking meaningful engagements with the local culture, history, food and environment. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), plays a significant role in enhancing the travel experience. AI is used for customer service through chatbots and instant messaging apps, providing quick responses and improving efficiency. Its ability to collect and analyze data helps businesses draw insights about customers, business practices and pricing strategies.
Multigenerational trips have also gained popularity as families seek to make up for lost time. Sustainability, meanwhile, remains a top priority for travelers who are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly destinations. Hotels and travel companies are implementing comprehensive sustainability programs, with the Radisson Hotel Group’s goal to achieve Net Zero by 2050 indicating our significant commitment.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
We currently operate 53 hotels and resorts in the Middle East and are are looking to grow our portfolio to 150 hotels in operation and under development in the region by 2030.
With our 10 distinctive hotel brands, we have been making waves across crucial feeder markets in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with upcoming openings in Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. Saudi Arabia remains one of the most dynamic markets in the region for us, as we see several openings across the country this year. As religious tourism continues to boom, we are also planning three new hotels in Makkah in 2023.

MICE and business travel revival
On the business side, our focus is oriented toward corporate and MICE segments. We are working on a new proposition aligned with what consumers need, based on an average length of stay increasing from 1-2 nights to at least 3-4. It has become easier to combine leisure and business in the same trip and companies are more flexible about this. Most of the time, business remains the driver for the trip and leisure is arranged as an extension of the business trip. To further enhance the leisure experience, we strive to deliver a clear and seamless value proposition. One aspect of this involves providing a smooth booking experience within the same reservation, even if the leisure portion of the stay takes place at a different property. We also now include our loyalty program benefits for the entire stay.

In the MENA pipeline for 2023 onwards
New hotels for 2024 include: Radisson Hotel Jeddah Tahlia, KSA; Radisson Blu Resort Riyadh Hills, Shalala, KSA; Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall, Jordan; and Park Inn by Radisson Kuwait Hotel & Apartment.

Brand growth story: a snapshot
The first Shangri-La hotel opened its doors in Singapore in 1971. Today, we operate over 90 luxury hotels and resorts in destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. The evolution of our brand is evident in our expanding global footprint, notably with the opening of Shangri-La Jeddah in early 2022. A cornerstone of our brand’s evolution was the launch of our “#FindYourShangriLa” campaign, developed in partnership with GRAMMY® award winning director Dave Meyers.

Consumer trends to note
At Shangri-La, we meticulously track consumer insights, recognizing the rapidly evolving expectations of high-end travelers.
In line with our commitment to corporate citizenship and sustainable development, we hold ourselves accountable to evolving international standards. Our focus areas are organized into four pillars: our business;our communities; our environment; and our people. Recognizing the increasing demand for sustainable travel from today’s consumers, our approach to hospitality is deeply rooted in sustainability. Projects such as our Rooted in Nature initiative indicate how our long-term investment in our properties extends to a deep commitment to our environment and communities. Through this program, we have made notable strides in sustainable sourcing by working closely with local farmers and small businesses. In addition, we have set ambitious reduction targets for carbon emissions, energy, water and single-use plastics.
In response to modern demands, we have developed a customer-centric digital ecosystem to enhance personalized experiences. A prime example of this commitment is the recent revamp of our loyalty program, now known as Shangri- La Circle, and our 24/7 WhatsApp service, which allows our guests to engage on their own terms. This service has received significant appreciation, including at our newest property in Jeddah. Recognizing the rise of blended travel, we understand the increasing integration of work and leisure in our guests’ lives. Consequently, we are developing insight-based leisure offerings and destination experiences that provide enriching opportunities for ‘bleisure’ travelers.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
With our headquarters in Hong Kong and a significant number of our hotels located in Asia, Shangri-La has always maintained a strong presence in the region. Traditional source markets for our group, such as the US and UK, continue to show strong momentum. Simultaneously, we remain focused on other source markets with strong growth potential for Shangri-La, including the Middle East and India. This strategic prioritization recognizes the significant potential of the GCC markets, both in terms of outbound travel and as avenues for future expansion.

MICE and business travel revival
At Shangri-La, we understand the revitalized energy in the MICE and business travel sector. We have noticed a strong preference amongst our guests for in person meetings and interactions, reflecting the innate human desire to connect. Our commitment to these segments extends beyond equipping our hotels with state of- the-art meeting facilities. We believe in curating inspiring and unique spaces that foster connections and inspire creativity. An example of this commitment is the transformation of traditional spaces, such as swimming pool areas, into social event setups that blend function and aesthetics.

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Rotana first opened its doors in 1993 with Beach Rotana in Abu Dhabi and has grown considerably over the last 30 years. Today, we manage a portfolio of over 100 hotels and serve more than 6 million guests per year across our properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye. We currently have six brands under the Rotana brand.

Consumer trends to note
In the last two years, we’ve seen a rise in green tourism as customers increasingly prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Travelers today are more conscious of the environmental impact of their lifestyles and, in line with this, Rotana has successfully implemented several ecofriendly solutions across its hotels.
Similarly, technology continues to shape consumer behavior in various ways and hotel groups are increasingly implementing the latest tech solutions to ensure a seamless and eco-friendly customer journey. In recent years, ‘bleisure’ travel has gained popularity as consumers seek to combine work and leisure trips. With the rise of hybrid working and remote work models, people are taking advantage of their travel opportunities by extending their stays.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
As a homegrown brand, we view the UAE as a key market feeder, followed by KSA, the broader GCC and Europe. In terms of development, we are focusing on KSA and Egypt as key markets. In KSA, we are planning to develop seven new hotels which will almost triple the number of rooms we run in the Kingdom to 6,000 over the next four years. In Egypt, we are gearing up for six new openings, with properties in the pipeline in New Cairo, Luxor and North Coast. Eyeing regional expansion, Rotana plans to make its foray into Algeria with the launch of Azure Rotana Resort & Spa set to open in 2023. Globally, we announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) our foray into the UK market, with the addition of 104 keys under the Centro brand.

MICE and business travel revival
The MICE sector continues to grow, with the region hosting an increasing number of global exhibitions and major events, including COP 28 in November 2023, and more scheduled for the coming years. In Abu Dhabi, our properties have recorded an average of three nights’ stay for business travelers. In 2022, our event and conference MICE team organized 16,126 events catering to approximately 1 million attendees overall.

Facts and figures
We consistently saw hotels’ occupancy levels exceeding 80 percent in the last quarter of 2022. In Q1, 2023, the occupancy to date is 72 percent and we expect the momentum to continue this year. As part of our strong development pipeline, we aim to reach 120 operating hotels across 28,000 keys by 2030, in addition to another 50 hotels with approximately 10,000 keys. In the MENA pipeline for 2023 onwards Our project pipeline includes: Azure Rotana Resort & Spa, Oran, Algeria (2023); Bloom Arjaan by Rotana, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2023); Luxor Rotana Resort, Luxor, Egypt (2025); White Palace Rotana Resort, Cairo, Egypt (2025).

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Over the years, we’ve strategically expanded our presence in the Middle East and Africa, entering new markets and strengthening our position in existing ones. This strategy has allowed us to serve a broader range of customers and offer more diverse options.
We have also invested in several initiatives to provide an exceptional guest experience, introducing innovative design concepts to create modern and welcoming spaces. Technological advancements, meanwhile, are enabling us to stay ahead in the digital age. Using data analytics and AI, we have gained valuable insights to improve our online booking conversions but also used data to increase operational efficiencies and enhance the guest experience.

Consumer trends to note
Today, consumers are increasingly emphasizing the importance of sustainability. Guests are looking closely at a brand’s green credentials, from energy-saving measures, waste reduction initiatives and the use of renewable resources to engagement in community and environmental conservation efforts. By incorporating sustainable practices into our operations, we can meet the expectations of environmentally conscious guests and contribute to a greener future.
Technology is another game-changer. Nowadays, guests want seamless digital experiences and personalized services. This means offering features like mobile check-in/check-out, keyless entry systems, automated room controls, voice-activated devices and customized recommendations based on data analysis.
Blended travel is growing in popularity. Travelers now seek accommodation and services that cater to both work and relaxation. That includes flexible workspaces, high-speed internet access, meeting facilities and recreational amenities.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
We have continued to expand our presence in the UAE, with new openings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and our first hotel is planned for Ras Al Khaimah. We also recently signed our first hotel in Egypt. Additionally, we are pleased to be part of the exciting growth in Saudi Arabia, with new hotels opening soon in Jeddah adding to our portfolio across Tabuk, Hail, Gizan and the Holy Cities.
Domestic and intra-regional travelers continue to be our top source markets, but we have seen significant interest and visitation from feeder markets such as India, Italy and South America. We also anticipate seeing increasing numbers from China.

MICE and business travel revival
We understand how important it is to provide exceptional venues and facilities for MICE events and business travelers. We recognize the significance of technology in enhancing the experience of MICE and business travelers, while offering customized packages and incentives tailored to their requirements. Our properties offer stateof- the-art meeting spaces, conference rooms and exhibition areas, equipped with advanced audio-visual technology and high-speed internet connectivity, catering to the diverse needs of corporate clients and event organizers. Our strategic locations also play a crucial role in our offerings.

Facts and figures
Millennium Hotels and Resorts has a global presence with a portfolio of over 150 hotels and over 40,000 rooms in more than 80 locations spread across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. We have 54 hotels and over 17,000 rooms in operation and over 30 hotels under development across the Middle East and Africa.

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has seen significant evolution as a global business, since the completion of the company’s spin-off from Wyndham Worldwide in 2018. Wyndham’s growth has been driven by important market entries, the introduction of new offerings – now accounting for 24 distinct brands – as well as strategic acquisitions. These included, over the past year, a new development and growth strategy for the Ramada by Wyndham brand in Saudi Arabia, cementing our offering and presence in one of the most exciting countries for the hospitality industry today.

Consumer trends to note
Staying abreast of the latest visitor trends is crucial, with the shift toward blended travel being a prime example. In a world where remote working and increased flexibility are now the norm, we’re seeing more people opt for vacations that blend business and leisure, in search of the optimal work-life balance.
Technology continues to shape the travel experience, with travelers relying heavily on mobile apps and online platforms for booking trips. They expect seamless digital experiences, from online check-ins and virtual tours to personalized recommendations. Emerging technologies, such as AI, chatbots and voice assistants, are being leveraged in the industry to provide instant assistance and enhance customer service.
Sustainable travel practices have also gained momentum, with travelers becoming more mindful of the environmental impact of their trips and seeking accommodation, transportation options and activities that align with their sustainability values. Our Wyndham Green sustainability program highlights our commitment to helping protect and preserve the environment globally, improving property performance in areas such as energy efficiency, emission and waste reduction, and water conservation.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
Key cities within the GCC, such as Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Dammam, Muscat and Manama, are firmly on our radar for continued strategic expansion.
Additionally, Africa is experiencing significant growth as a tourism destination.

MICE and business travel revival
The Middle East region is a major hub for business-related travel, with many global corporations having a strong footprint in the region. We have strategically positioned properties in key business destinations, ensuring convenient access to major airports, convention centers and business districts. For example, with Saudi Arabia poised as a high-potential market for business travel, we recently welcomed our 13th Wyndham hotel there – Ramada by Wyndham Riyadh King Fahd Road – with plans for further developments this year.

Facts and figures
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts includes a portfolio of approximately 9,100 hotels spanning 95 countries, with the Middle East and Africa comprising 68 operational hotels. We have plans to open a further 26 hotels in our current pipeline for the region.

In the MENA pipeline for 2023 onwards
Our new hotel openings for 2024 onwards in the MENA region are: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Doha City Center, Qatar (2025); Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Muscat Al Ghubra, Oman (2026); Wyndham Garden Riyadh Olaya (2026) and Wyndham Garden Riyadh Ghirnatah (2027), Saudi Arabia; Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Erbil 32 Park (2024) and Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Najaf (2025), Iraq.

Brand growth story: a snapshot
IHG Hotels & Resorts has a rich history in the Middle East, dating back to 1961 when we opened InterContinental Phoenicia in Beirut, Lebanon. Since then, we have expanded our regional presence. Currently, we have eight of our core brands operating across the Middle East: InterContinental, Six Senses and Hotel Indigo in the luxury and lifestyle collections; voco and Crowne Plaza in the premium collections; Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express in the essentials collections; and Staybridge Suites in the suites collections. Most recently, we debuted our luxury brands – Vignette Collection and Kimpton – in the Middle East, with signings in Saudi Arabia.

Consumer trends to note
Guests are paying more attention than ever before to how a hotel impacts the world around it, with an increasing number deciding whether to book a stay based on a property’s carbon footprint, sustainable practices and how it supports the communities in which it operates.
Building on our commitment to responsible travel, in 2021, we launched a 10-year action plan called Journey to Tomorrow that will make a positive difference to our people, communities and the planet. Data-driven personalization is another trend influencing the evolution of the region’s hospitality sector. There is a focus on a traveler-centric approach that depends on careful technology planning and digital infrastructure that creates a seamless experience for visitors.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key tourism market in the region and our current portfolio in the country stands strong. We are introducing new brands across cities and giga/mega projects in the Kingdom, and have several hotels in the pipeline. With more than 30 IHG hotels set to open in the Kingdom in the next few years, this will remain a key focus market for us. Similarly, the tourism sector in Egypt has shown significant growth. We recently opened our first Crowne Plaza hotel in Egypt and announced the debut of our lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo across key cities, in addition to signings for brands such as InterContinental, voco and Holiday Inn.

MICE and business travel revival
Corporate travel, group bookings and corporate events have returned strongly in the Middle East and, whether partly or fully in-person, we are meeting this demand and it’s adding to the strong performance we are reporting. Also, IHG Business Edge, our SME program, continues to attract new accounts from small and mid-size companies looking for a smarter way to manage their travel. In markets like the UAE, MICE industry is expanding. Similarly, Saudi Arabia is attracting several high profile global events and conferences across sectors, which is bringing more travelers to the region.

Facts and figures
We currently operate close to 110 hotels across eight brands in the GCC, Levant and Egypt. We also have 70 hotels in the pipeline across the region, the majority of which will be in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.

In the MENA pipeline for 2023 onwards
voco Cairo Arabella Plaza, Egypt (2024); Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Malaz, Saudi Arabia (2024); InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay (2024); Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay (2024); and voco Jeddah Gate (2024).

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Louvre Hotels Group benefits from a variety of brand profiles, which give it considerable versatility, from the 5-star Royal Tulip to the 2-star Premiere Classe, also supported by our membership in the distinctive Hôtels & Préférence/ Tempting Places consortia. Our brands are: Royal Tulip; Tempting Places; Hôtels & Préférence; Golden Tulip; Campanile: Tulip Residences; Tulip Inn; Kyriad; and Kyriad Direct. Each brand continues to evolve accordingly, driven by market demand and changing consumer preferences. Factors that are playing a key part in determining industry direction include investment; traveler motivation; requirements post Covid; sustainability; and technological developments.

Consumer trends to note
Sustainability is a headline topic. We are working closely with government institutions and municipalities to take the best possible approach in our public private partnerships (PPPs), addressing issues such as licensing and standards requirements, brand parameters and brand markers. Destinations that promote sustainability and meet environmentally friendly criteria will undoubtedly attract more travelers. Broadly speaking, we have seen a rebound across the segments, including blended travel (business to leisure) and pilgrimages to Makkah.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
Emerging destinations span the region, from Tunisia to Algeria. Our popular brands in the 4-star and 5-star category are complemented by other new Louvre Hotels Group brands, alongside several conversions of hotels across the region. One key step has been the development of our first hotel in Saudi Arabia, with Royal Tulip Sharma (Neom), followed by others in Al Ahsa, Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah,Al Qassim, Unayzah and Buraidah. The feeder markets continue to be outbound from the GCC countries, joined by cities in emerging destinations, such as: Al Ahsa, KSA; Constantine, Algeria; Hammamet, Tunisia; and Manama, Bahrain. Asia remains a strong feeder market, alongside MENA countries and Europe.

MICE and business travel revival
Business travel and the MICE segment is a key market for several of our brands, in particular, the Royal Tulip and the Golden Tulip, whose newly opened Kyriad hotels target the mid-market sector, providing guests with high-speed internet and technical support. We focus heavily on sharing feedback from clients in this segment across our hotels as a learning exercise and to help gain repeat business.

In the MENA pipeline for 2023 onwards
Our project pipeline consists of: Kyriad Muscat, Oman, Q3, 2023; Kyriad Salalah; Oman, Q3, 2023; Kyriad Prestige Le Patio, Algiers, Algeria, Q4, 2023; Kyriad Bejaia, Algiers, Algeria, Q1, 2024; Tulip Inn Russikada, Algiers, Algeria, Q1, 2024; Golden Tulip Tedjini Ben Aknoun, Algeria, Q1, 2024; Golden Tulip Alexandre Constantine, Algiera, Q3, 2023; Kyriad Prestige City Centre, Tunis, Tunisia, Q4, 2023; Golden Tulip President Resort, Hammamet, Tunis, Tunisia, Q3, 2023; Tulip Inn Jardins de Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia, Q3, 2024; Tulip Inn Aziziyah Makkah, KSA, Q3, 2023; Golden Tulip Umm Al Qurah Makkah, KSA, Q1, 2024; Tulip Residences Al Ahsa, KSA, Q1, 2024; Tulip Residences Olaya Riyadh, KSA, Q1, 2024; Golden Tulip Al Horra Hotel & Residence, Manama, Bahrain, Q3, 2025; Royal Tulip Al Hid Resort, Manama, Bahrain, Q4, 2024; and Royal Tulip Faqra, Lebanon, Q3, 2024.

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Accor manages a vast network of properties, comprising over 988 hotels and resorts which amount to 187,000 rooms in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific region, located in 44 different destinations. Within the Middle East alone, we operate more than 166 properties with over 43,000 rooms. Additionally, we have an active pipeline of 66 properties in the region, which will contribute an additional 14,000 rooms to our overall footprint. Accor’s collection of brands encompassed in the premium, midscale and economy division includes well-known names, such as Swissotel, Pullman, Movenpick, Mercure, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Adagio and Ibis.

Consumer trends to note
In the Middle East, there is a sustained and robust demand for leisure travel in prominent destinations, such as Egypt, Turkey and the UAE. Additionally, corporate travel is making a comeback in key locations across the region, driven by the growing number of in-person events taking place.
Religious tourism has also experienced an upswing this year, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, with hotels witnessing positive occupancy levels. In the realm of travel decision-making, sustainability and conscious travel have assumed significant importance for guests planning their future trips. At Accor, we prioritize sustainability and conscious travel through various initiatives, which include: encouraging a low-carbon mindset; embracing smart, green hotels; advancing the use of green energy; accelerating progress toward net zero; and eliminating single-use plastics.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
As Accor in the Middle East region, we are constantly identifying and exploring emerging destinations and feeder markets. With Saudi Arabia opening up to tourism and diversifying its economy, we see tremendous growth potential in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. Egypt remains a popular destination, with a resurgence in tourism to cities like Cairo, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh. The UAE, meanwhile, continues to attract a large number of travelers, both for leisure and business trips. In terms of feeder markets, China and India continue to play significant roles for the Middle East and Africa region, alongside GCC and European countries, particularly Germany, France, Italy and the UK.

MICE and business travel revival
We are strategically leveraging the booming MICE and business travel market to provide exceptional services and experiences for our guests. Steps being taken include: expanding our portfolio of hotels and resorts across key business hubs and destinations in the Middle East and Africa region; creating state-of-the-art, well-equipped, flexible meeting facilities; offering customized packages and services tailored to the specific requirements of our clients; providing loyalty programs such as ALLAccor Live Limitless, partnerships and implementing sustainability initiatives. We have also embraced new technologies, providing high-speed internet connectivity, advanced audio-visual equipment and other tech-enabled services, while leveraging digital platforms and mobile apps to streamline the booking process, facilitate communication and provide personalized experiences for our guests.

In the Middle East pipeline for the remainder of 2023
Our plans include the opening of four new properties in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. These additions will expand our existing portfolio by over 1,200 rooms in the Middle East.

Brand growth story: a snapshot
Marriott International opened 24 properties across the region in 2022, including the W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah and The Ritz-Carlton, Amman. We are on track to add nearly 20 more projects in 2023. The first few months of the year have been very encouraging and we are confident that the upward trajectory in the Middle East will continue this year.

Consumer trends to note
This year, we conducted Marriott Bonvoy’s 2023 Travel Trends research, which analyzed the travel plans of travelers, including those in this region. One thing it tells us is that there continues to be a resurgence in the sector, based, in large part, on increased confidence amongst travelers, who are planning to travel more and spend more than last year. More travelers are also choosing luxury accommodation.
In addition, research indicates that sustainability and wellbeing are priorities for travelers. Another trend is the increase in remote working – it’s clear that many travelers plan to take advantage of flexibility, using the opportunity to get away without taking annual leave.

Emerging destinations and feeder markets
We are particularly excited about the growth in Saudi Arabia. Our growth outlook is positive, with more than 35 properties in our development pipeline for the country. We are excited to be part of the largest development projects in the Kingdom, such as the Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate and Neom. We are also thrilled to introduce new luxury brands into the market, such as St. Regis, EDITION Hotels and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve. We will also see the addition of over 7,000 rooms across the Holy Cities. We expect to open two Fairfield Inns, an Aloft and two Courtyard by Marriott’s in Makkah.
In Madinah, we recently signed a deal with Rua Al Madinah for eight projects situated within the Rua Al Madinah project. Plans also include a new-build Sheraton in Madinah. Our pipeline also includes the debut of Delta Hotels and Renaissance in the Kingdom.

MICE and business travel revival
MICE and Business travel remain integral to our business. The region remains in a great position to solidify its position as a prominent destination in the world for events and exhibitions. The MICE sector plays a pivotal role for the region which has the infrastructure and resources to plan and host events of all scales. Events and exhibitions in the region are also important for our business as they drive room bookings and demand into our food and beverage outlets. We are also fortunate to have a wide range of facilities across our portfolio, which puts us in a position to host meetings, conferences and weddings on all scales. We are seeing an increase in our business through meetings, events and business travel and we are optimistic the momentum will continue throughout the year.

In the MENA pipeline for 2023 onwards
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia (2024); The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat, Oman, (2024); and The Luxury Collection in Diriyah, Riyadh, KSA (2024).