Latest news with #intra-GCC
Campaign ME
10-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
The summer toolkit for hospitality marketing that beats the heat
As temperatures rise and desert winds roll in, it's easy to assume that the hospitality scene in the UAE takes a seasonal pause. Yet, year after year, summer proves to be not a retreat, but a recalibration. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the city's tourism industry welcomed a record-breaking 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, a 9 per cent increase from the previous year. Notably, July and August each attracted approximately 1.31 million visitors, underscoring the city's year-round appeal. This sustained influx during the traditionally slower summer months challenges the notion of a seasonal downturn and highlights the importance of innovative hospitality strategies. I believe that the perception that Dubai is a 'winter-only' destination is fading fast. What's replacing it? A demand for climate-conscious experiences that make summer not only bearable, but desirable. Shifting summer travel habits among GCC residents Regional travelers, particularly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, are increasingly looking for local alternatives as European destinations become overcrowded, costlier, and less accessible during peak months. In the summer of 2024, regional travel saw a 15–18 per cent rise in domestic and intra-GCC trips, according to Skyscanner and Cleartrip insights. High airfares and Schengen visa delays are nudging travelers toward luxurious, accessible, and hassle-free summer options within the GCC, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Guest feedback from both 2023 and 2024 reveals a clear shift in expectations: visitors increasingly value venues that respond intelligently to the region's climate challenges. The demand is for climate-conscious comfort that enhances the overall experience. From advanced cooling technologies such as outdoor air conditioning, misting systems, and shaded architectural elements, today's guest seeks spaces that integrate thermal comfort as a core design principle. At Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), this approach has translated into measurable impact. In July last year, we recorded a 23 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings, driven by curated activations such as sunset programming and DJ-led experiences designed to align with cooler evening hours. The summer toolkit At SHG, our summer strategy is grounded in insight. Through competitive benchmarking, guest behavior tracking, and guest feedback, we've developed a data-informed approach to adapt our offerings for seasonal demand. In 2023, our research highlighted a clear guest preference for temperature-controlled pools, wellness-led activations, sunrise and twilight swims, and evening dining. This insight shaped our summer positioning of rethinking how we use time, space, and ambience to create environments that prioritise both comfort and engagement. Take our daylife portfolio – Azure Beach, AURA Skypool, Bâoli Dubai, DRIFT Dubai, and Tapasake. While each has a unique identity, the common strategy is to turn climate-conscious design into a competitive advantage. From shaded cabanas and temperature-regulated pools, to ice baths and twilight activations, each detail is programmed with the guest experience in mind. Across the portfolio, music, lighting, and ambient energy are treated not as background elements, but as critical layers of the guest experience. Whether it's the mellow rhythm of a sunset playlist at DRIFT or a high-energy DJ set at Bâoli, every element is created to reflect each brand's distinct tone. Design experiences that make guests want to stay longer and return sooner, no matter the temperature outside. So how do we reach the right audience? Two mindsets, one strategy Summer audience segments can be grouped broadly into two psychographic archetypes: The laid-back lifestyle guest – wellness-focused, seeking calm, comfort, and slow luxury. The vibrancy-seeking socialite – looking for upbeat energy, music-driven atmospheres, and social momentum. With this in mind, marketing strategies must be designed to serve diverse mindsets simultaneously, with differentiated programming that resonates across touchpoints. The channel mix To market our summer activations, we leverage a focused media mix built around digital, PR, and word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM). These channels are chosen for their agility, reach, and impact within the luxury lifestyle space. Our primary channel is social media, which commands the largest share of our digital ad spend. It allows us to tell stories in real time, tap into culture, and reach our audience where they're most engaged. Print is minimal in our strategy, as our focus is on performance-driven, measurable platforms. My favourite though, is word-of-mouth and brand advocacy. At SHG, we're fortunate to have a community of loyal guests who become natural brand evangelists, sharing reviews, content, and recommendations not because they're incentivised, but because they genuinely love the experience. This form of organic amplification is one of the most valuable marketing levers we have. Personalisation This is where personalisation becomes a strategic advantage. By analysing data from our CRM ecosystem, we track Customer Engagement Maturity, identifying when a guest is ready to move from transactional loyalty to emotional loyalty. Because our guest relationships are long-term, we know not just who they are, but what they value -from their preferred table, to how they like their water served poolside. These micro-insights allow us to create campaigns and communications that feel intuitive, not intrusive, addressing guests by name, anticipating preferences, and delivering moments that feel uniquely theirs. Turning seasonal challenges into growth Summer in the UAE is no longer a low season, it's a strategic window for innovation. As guest behavior evolves and expectations shift across the industry, brands are leaning into creative summer campaigns, from curated indoor experiences to wellness-led programming and exclusive local offers. The challenge is how to keep guests comfortable and engaged. This has spurred innovative solutions such as redesigned outdoor spaces, cooling technologies and guest experience innovation. Climate-conscious design is rethinking how outdoor venues operate in peak heat. Retractable roofs and heat-tolerant landscaping are transforming terraces into versatile all-season spaces. Passive cooling techniques, such as optimised natural airflow and reflective architectural materials, are becoming common. Furthermore, as temperatures soar well above 40°C in the summer, cooling infrastructure has become a baseline. Hospitality brands are investing in tech-forward solutions that enhance guest experience without compromising energy consciousness. By focusing on comfort, service, and differentiated offerings, SHG leverages it as a competitive advantage. From wellness mornings and moonlit swims to twilight dining and sunset DJ sets, this season we'll see guests lean into experiences that are not only cooler in temperature, but cooler in spirit. What was once a novelty, night swimming, has quickly become one of the most sought-after rituals of the season. Throughout summer, both AURA and DRIFT will offer night swims on weekends, providing after-dark access with curated F&B, music, and lighting while maintaining each brand's distinct identity. The harsh summer heat pushes the UAE hospitality sector to think differently, from architectural design and energy management to delivering distinctive guest experiences. Once considered a 'slow season', it's evolved into a testing ground for climate adaptation and innovation. By Iliana Orietta, Senior Director of Marketing Daylife Division – Head of Corporate Marcom, Sunset Hospitality Group.
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop addresses private sector challenges in GCC Common Market
MUSCAT, MAY 7 The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with the Federation of GCC Chambers, held a workshop on May 7, 2025 to address the issues facing the Gulf private sector in the GCC Common Market context. Held at the Chamber's headquarters in Muscat, the forum brought together policymakers and business leaders to discuss key issues hindering intra-GCC trade, including cumbersome laws, customs procedures, logistics challenges, and poor access to funding for cross-border investment. Participants debated concrete measures to increase regional trade and make Gulf enterprises more competitive. The workshop also reviewed current incentives and introduced requirements needed to spur private sector development and integration. Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of strengthening Gulf private sector cooperation in his opening remarks at a recent workshop. He emphasized the need to overcome underlying issues in trade law, financing, and investment and push for more intense economic integration within GCC nations. Al Saadi noted the Gulf Common Market is a keystone achievement and called for concrete solutions to boost its efficiency and shape regional trade goals. GCC expert Sulaiman al Balushi described the workshop as being a vital arena for GCC businessmen to air issues and provide down-to-earth suggestions. He further stated that actual discussion with policymakers is needed in order to establish real change and strengthen the area's private sector. Entrepreneur Muntaha Majid said, "Such workshops allow businesspeople to raise awareness about intra-GCC trade issues. More importantly, she added, they offer a chance to meet decision-makers and exchange views on establishing the Gulf Common Market for the benefit of the private sector and enhancing regional economic integration." Noura al Salem, Federation of GCC Chambers Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, introduced the Federation's role in empowering the private sector. She stated its work in GCC initiatives, including cooperation with the GCC Secretariat, the Gulf Common Market, the Customs Union, and collaborative policy-making activities. Al-Salem also instituted the Tawasul programme—a platform focused on consolidating direct dialogue among the private and public sectors within the Gulf region. The initiative is intended to highlight opportunities in investment, consolidate economic integration, as well as resolve trade and investment challenges. Oman Chamber's Mohammed al Gharbi reported Oman's trends of trade with GCC countries based on sustained growth grounded in economic integration, upgraded logistics, and moves to improve regional business conditions. The workshop emphasized the paramount importance of joint dialogue in addressing Gulf issues and supporting the economic growth contribution of the Gulf private sector.
Mid East Info
01-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE underscores its commitment to continuing to develop policies and legislation that enhance the competitiveness of the GCC economies
HE Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi: Strategic partnerships are a cornerstone in supporting the GCC's industrial growth and play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development. The meeting covered a range of topics aimed at facilitating trade and investment among the GCC countries. The latest developments within the GCC Investment Committee and efforts to support investment environment were reviewed, in addition to exploring mechanisms to overcome challenges faced by investors. Strengthening of relations between member states in the industrial sector was discussed, with participants agreeing to support collaborative efforts and the GCC Industrial Excellence Award. His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led the UAE delegation participating in the meetings of the GCC Ministerial Committees of Trade and Industrial Cooperation and Standardization Affairs, held in Kuwait. The meetings discussed a range of initiatives and topics aimed at advancing the GCC's economic environment, supporting entrepreneurial projects, and coordinating trade and legislative policies, as well as strengthening industrial relations among member states, in addition to strengthening relations between member states and supporting collaborative efforts through joint Gulf industrial work. With an aim to enhance trade and investment cooperation among the GCC countries, the meetings reviewed the latest developments in free trade agreements negotiations between the GCC and other international blocs, as well as the priorities in strengthening international partnerships and broadening access to global markets. His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the UAE is committed to promoting the GCC's economic integration, particularly in light of ongoing global economic shifts. H.E. underscored the importance of coordinated efforts in developing trade policies and legislation, supporting competitive systems, and funding entrepreneurial initiatives, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, all of which would enhance intra-GCC trade and bolster its competitiveness in the global market. His Excellency said: 'The meetings discussed several strategic topics that are key priorities for the member states, including the adoption of a unified approach to the development of trade policies and legislation among the member states.' The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of the developments within the GCC Investment Agents Committee, key initiatives supporting GCC's investment environment, mechanisms for overcoming challenges faced by investors, and factors enhancing the attractiveness of GCC markets for investments. During the meetings, the committee reviewed the progress of work in implementing the joint Gulf action strategy in the field of patents. The meetings concluded with a review of latest developments related to a proposal to organize a number of Gulf economic forums with some commercial partners during 2025. The Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting focused on strengthening industrial relations among member states and the GCC Industrial Excellence Awards. The meeting also discussed several joint initiatives and topics aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the industrial sector and promoting intra-GCC trade. During the Standardization Affairs Committee meeting, the members approved a number of unified GCC technical regulations in the food and electric vehicle sectors, with the aim of enhancing the GCC market and facilitating trade exchange among member states. The committee also approved the internal regulations for the GCC Accreditation Center. The UAE delegation included H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; H.E. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; H.E. Juma Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Affairs at Ministry of Economy; H.E. Safeya AlSafi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Control and Commercial Governance Sector at Ministry of Economy; H.E. Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standardization Affairs; and H.E. Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The meetings reflect the bloc's continued commitment to strengthening joint efforts, advancing the development of its economic and industrial sectors, and expanding opportunities for the private sector, contributing to solidifying the position of GCC countries as leading industrial and commercial hubs at both regional and global levels.
Observer
14-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tourism contributes 11.4% to GCC's GDP
MUSCAT: The travel and tourism sector has emerged as a key driver of economic growth in the Gulf region, contributing approximately 11.4% to the GCC's total GDP by the end of 2024. According to the latest figures from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, this translates to about RO 95 billion ($247.1 billion). Compared to 2019, the sector's GDP contribution has grown by an impressive 31.9%, underscoring the resilience and expansion of tourism-related activities across the Gulf. On a global scale, the sector's contribution to both the GCC and world GDP in 2024 stands at 2.2%. Looking ahead, projections indicate a continued upward trend. By 2034, the sector is expected to account for 13.3% of the GCC's GDP, reaching a value of RO 142.8 billion ($371.2 billion). This growth will be supported by an average annual increase of over 4.2% between 2024 and 2034. In addition, intra-GCC tourism has seen robust growth. The average annual growth rate in the number of tourists traveling between GCC countries from 2019 to 2023 reached 41.5%. Notably, travelers within the Gulf represented 26.5% of all international tourists arriving in GCC countries in 2023. These figures highlight the rising importance of regional travel and the broader tourism ecosystem in shaping the Gulf's economic future. — ONA
Bahrain News Gazette
17-02-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
BTEA CEO Engages in GCC Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Kuwait
Kuwait City: Sara Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), participated in the ninth preparatory meeting of the GCC Ministers Responsible for Tourism, held in Kuwait. Buhijji highlighted the importance of strengthening tourism cooperation among GCC countries, noting that the meeting serves as a strategic platform for coordinating efforts and developing joint strategies to advance the regional tourism sector. According to Bahrain News Agency, Buhijji emphasised tourism as a key pillar of economic growth and a vital link in fostering Gulf cooperation. She reiterated Bahrain's commitment to promoting intra-GCC tourism and positioning the region as a unified destination, leveraging its advanced infrastructure and rich cultural heritage. She noted the significant progress of Gulf tourism in recent years, making it a major contributor to GCC economies. The CEO emphasised the need for high-quality tourism experiences that reflect the Gulf identity and enhance the region's global appeal. She further highlighted that joint tourism strategies would enable GCC countries to maximise their natural, cultural, and historical assets, solidifying their status as leading global destinations. She underscored the importance of developing innovative tourism products that attract international visitors, capitalising on the region's strengths in hospitality and luxury services. Buhijji highlighted Bahrain's commitment to sustainable tourism development in alignment with GCC leadership aspirations, contributing to the region's global tourism positioning. The meeting discussed key tourism-related topics, including enhancing regional cooperation, a unified GCC tourist visa, joint promotional programmes, marketing campaigns, data-sharing initiatives, and the development of tourism guidance standards across the GCC.
