Tourism space poses challenges
The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 issued by the World Economic Forum has mixed results for the Gulf countries. At 29th globally, the UAE leads the GCC and the entire Middle East and North Africa region. Kuwait is placed 100th, ahead of only a further 36 nations reviewed in the report. Rankings for the other Gulf states are Qatar at 47; Bahrain with the 60th spot, Saudi Arabia at 63 and Oman on 66. Half of GCC states experienced falls in their rankings — the UAE, Qatar and Oman. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia had progress while Bahrain saw no change.
The UAE recorded exceptional scores on some key variables that make up the study, with the destination considered the safest country in the world and second only to Finland. In fact, two other GCC countries appear on the list of 10 safest destinations — Oman and Qatar.
The report grants the UAE the third best ranking in the aviation infrastructure. The Dubai International Airport shines in numerous global data findings such as the number of passengers transiting through it.
Travel and tourism contributes to around 10 per cent of global GDP and accounts for one out of every ten jobs. One marked distinction in the GCC is that immigrant workers occupy most employment opportunities.
It is believed that some jobs in T&T meet the expectations of a good number of locals. Recently, Saudi officials issued a directive restricting employment in shopping malls to nationals only.
Undoubtedly, the move is not popular with employers. (Of all GCC states, unemployment among locals is a challenge in Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.) At the core of the report is the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), which ranks 136 countries based on four sub-indexes, 14 “pillars” and 90 indicators.
The sub-indexes comprise 1) an enabling environment such as safety and security plus human resources; 2) a T&T policy and enabling conditions like price competitiveness and international openness; 3) infrastructure like air travel competitiveness; and 4) natural and cultural resources.
Airlines
The UAE’s airlines are popular with passengers; Emirates is the largest global operator of A380s and Boeing 777s. Etihad is appreciated for providing clearance to the US in its terminal in Abu Dhabi. This is vital, especially during the Trump Administration.
The Gulf is noted for developing innovative travel concepts, including artificial islands, and hotels meeting different tastes and budgets. This is especially true of the UAE and Qatar as well as Oman. Needless to say, Oman stands out for possessing extraordinary tourism potential but the challenge relates to tapping all the scenery.
Saudi Arabia is targeting more visitors to the holy shrines during non-Haj times. It is suggested that some 8 million Muslims perform Umra annually and the plan calls for increasing the number to 30 million as part of Vision 2030.
The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 argues that some GCC countries have lost out in rankings but only because other nations are assuming steps to enhance their tourism-related capacities.