The tourism sector in the UAE is gradually regaining its momentum following a challenging period, according to Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana Hotels. In his remarks to “Al-Bayan,” Al Nowais emphasised that the wisdom of the UAE’s leadership in maintaining the country’s security and stability has significantly bolstered confidence in the Emirati destination, accelerating the return of travel and tourism activities.
Gradual Recovery in Tourism
Al Nowais noted that Rotana continues to implement its hotel projects and expansion plans without interruption. He anticipates that the number of operating hotels in the group will reach approximately 80 by the end of next year, alongside 30 to 40 hotel projects currently under construction. He acknowledged that the onset of the crisis posed a tough period for the tourism sector; however, the UAE has managed to maintain its stability and security amid regional developments that initially affected travel and tourism flows, particularly during airport closures.
Returning Tourists
In recent months, there has been a marked improvement in the tourism sector, with tourists gradually returning to the UAE. Al Nowais highlighted that markets with a strong familiarity with the UAE and the region have been among the first to rebound. He pointed out that travellers from Russia and neighbouring markets such as Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have started to return, primarily as individual travellers, indicating a positive sign of regained confidence in the Emirati destination. The familiarity these markets have with the UAE’s tourism environment and its high levels of security and stability has expedited the return of their travellers, with expectations for this trend to expand further as conditions improve.
Domestic Tourism Growth
Al Nowais also observed a notable increase in domestic tourism over the past months, which played a crucial role in helping the sector navigate part of the challenges faced previously. The rise in domestic tourism, combined with the return of some international markets, has generated additional demand sources and supported the performance of hospitality and tourism establishments. He noted that current pricing has become more attractive and competitive, which has stimulated travel and accommodation rates. Al Nowais believes that these competitive prices are crucial for attracting tourists and encouraging them to travel, and he suggests that the sector will see a strong resurgence in tourism activity shortly.
Current Recovery Trend
Regarding the current level of recovery as compared to the initial stages of the crisis, Al Nowais reported a recovery rate exceeding 20 to 25%. This percentage is seen as a positive indicator given the circumstances that the sector has endured. The recovery is progressing gradually, with current indicators reflecting a continuous improvement in demand, driven by the return of international markets and heightened traveller confidence, along with sustained domestic tourism activity. He expressed optimism that the pace of recovery may accelerate in the near future, especially as more markets accustomed to travelling to the UAE resume operations and travel flows improve, projecting that the sector will reclaim greater momentum moving forward.
Rotana’s Future Plans
On the subject of Rotana and its expansion plans, Al Nowais confirmed that recent developments have not impacted the group’s hotel projects or growth strategies. Ongoing projects have continued without interruption, and future ventures that the group plans to undertake remain on track. He affirmed the group’s dedication to expanding within the hospitality sector, expressing confidence in the robustness of the UAE market and its tourism and hospitality sector’s capacity to quickly restore growth and tourism momentum.
Al Nowais concluded by stating that the ongoing execution of projects demonstrates the group’s belief in the hospitality sector’s prospects in the UAE and its potential for sustainable growth in the coming period.