Hoteliers have said that increased supply in Dubai is only a maturation of the market, with signs of increased demand also incoming.
On a panel at the Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate 2016, TRI Consulting associate director Christopher Hewett asked the experts about the importance of Expo 2020, and Tim Cordon, regional director UAE, Egypt, Jordan & Oman, The Rezidor Hotel Group said: “There is an extraordinary number of new projects coming into Dubai which should help drive demand into the nation.
"What I think will happen on a property level is that additional competition will make it tougher, so there will be extra pressure, but this is really a maturation in the market and we really welcome it.”
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation area vice president - Dubai & Northern Emirates David Prince agreed and said: “If we look at the last 12 months, we're seeing huge demand growth in Dubai and that has nothing to do with 2020. As we start to move towards 2020, that will increase demand, especially with new infrastructure in place. And it will drive demand further.
“Expo 2020 is not the end of the road, it's just one milestone in Dubai’s continued growth and expansion.”
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Carlos Khneisser, vice president development Middle East & North Africa, Hilton Worldwide said one of the important elements to think about with this continued growth is looking at long-term sustainability.
“We get proper advice on location and sustainability to make sure the owners are spending money on a location that will live on,” he explained.
Hewett also said that with competition set to increase as new supply comes in, it was important for hoteliers to realise where they can work together. Is there enough collaboration rather than cannibalisation and should hoteliers work together to promote their market?” he asked.
Cordon concluded: “It's about working together to bring increased numbers to the heart of the city.”
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