Russel Sharpe is chief operating officer for the Dubai-based limited-service hotel management firm Citymax Hotels. Russel Sharpe is chief operating officer for the Dubai-based limited-service hotel management firm Citymax Hotels.

“I think that the value sector will continue to increase its presence. The success of the major international brands in Dubai has shown that there is a huge and growing demand for value for money, and that it is possible to find an immaculately clean room and enjoy great service without paying five-star prices.”
Darroch Crawford, managing director for the Middle East and Africa, Premier Inn Hotels

“The branded budget hotel sector is still at an early stage of development in the GCC and represents a significant growth opportunity, particularly where investors are amenable to considering growth markets outside city centres, and operators look to conversions as well as new builds.”
Bani Haddad, regional vice president for the Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group

“The competition will be immense and the scramble for market share will gain momentum. We will see more international hotel operators entering markets that seemed unattractive in the past.”
Elie Milky, director of business development for the Middle East and Africa, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group,

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“We are confident that growth in the mid-scale market in the Middle East will continue to be fruitful for us. There is an expectation for quality from guests and this is something Holiday Inn Express provides and is known for, and has ensured our past success.”
Pascal Gauvin, COO for India, the Middle East and Asia, InterContinental Hotel Group

“The mid-market hotel segment is the fastest-growing segment, as predicted with recent studies indicating another 1500 rooms to be opened in 2013. We see large hotel chains re-branding and investing in its budget hotel brands across UAE and KSA in particular.”
Russel Sharpe, COO, CityMax Hotels

“Dubai has, to date, been the only destination in which branded budget hotels have proliferated, although there are now a handful of examples in other GCC cities. Saudi Arabia is the obvious next target for expansion, thanks to its large population, the long distances between cities, the well-developed network of luxury and mid-market hotels, and the poor standards of its affordable hotels and serviced apartments.”
Guy Wilkinson, managing partner, Viability

“Corporate travel expenses have been a big focus for most companies since the global financial crisis. The emergence of quality mid-scale and budget hotels has impacted the occupancies and rates of upscale and luxury hotels as guests look for more affordable options.”
Christopher Hewett of TRI Hospitality consulting