Middle Eastern Resorts Embrace Tourism Boom: Investing in Unique Experiences

Tourism Growth Spurs New Era of Resort Investment in the Middle East

The landscape of tourism in the Middle East is undergoing a remarkable transformation, as the lines between leisure and sport tourism blur, leading to a surge in resort investments. This trend is fueled by the mounting popularity of surf tourism, projected to reach nearly USD 96 billion by 2030. Notably, WhiteWater has teamed up with Grand Hyatt Dubai to introduce the region's first FlowRider® Triple attraction—an innovative experience designed for high guest capacity, attracting spectators, and ensuring repeat visits. Nestled within the resort's new 20,000 m² water park, this development aims to meet family demand while ensuring sustainable, year-round profitability.

Fathi Khogaly, the Managing Director at Grand Hyatt Dubai, articulates the vision behind this investment: "Our goal has always been to offer more than a stay; we want to create a destination." The addition of the water park not only elevates the resort's luxury appeal but also presents families with more reasons to choose Grand Hyatt Dubai.

The Emergence of Aquatic Attractions

The Middle East and North Africa’s hospitality sector is projected to contribute an astounding $367 billion to the regional economy and create 7.7 million jobs by 2025. As tourism waves reach unprecedented heights, new resorts and attractions are emerging at an exceptional pace, leading to fierce competition where traditional service standards are no longer sufficient. A significant trend has surfaced—luxury resorts are increasingly investing in aquatic attractions as strategic tools to drive occupancy rates, lengthen guest stays, and boost overall revenue.

Mike Rigby, the General Manager and RVP for WhiteWater in the Middle East, observed, "We're seeing a shift in how hotel operators approach luxury. It's no longer just about meeting expectations; it's about exceeding them." This evolution is reflected in the evolving guest preferences, with travelers seeking comprehensive amenities that enhance their overall experience. Rigby personally prioritizes properties with ample facilities, emphasizing the growing importance of integrated experiences for families.

Addressing Growing Guest Expectations

This trend of aquatic attraction investment is not confined to the UAE. For instance, in Antalya, Turkey, the Regnum Carya Golf & Resort Hotel recently unveiled Aqualantis, a 20,000 m² water park, despite its proximity to The Land of Legends Theme Park, which offers free access to a larger water park. The strategic decision to implement on-site water attractions aims to prolong guest stays, directly elevating average daily rates (ADR) and translating to revenue boosts ranging from $25 to $150 per room.

Similarly, the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa in Jordan has recently expanded its offerings with new aquatic features, including kid-friendly slides, a splash pad, and an AquaPlay 300 structure. These projects were exclusively supplied by WhiteWater, where in-house designers closely collaborated with the resorts to tailor attractions that resonate with target audiences, aligning each venue with the demographic it aims to attract and ensuring maximum profitability.

In a rapidly evolving competitive environment, resorts that judiciously invest in enriching guest experiences—including aquatic amenities—will set themselves apart. Such enhancements not only enchant families but also extend their stays and elevate revenue, reinforcing the luxury branding synonymous with the region.

To discover more about how aquatic attractions can redefine a resort's potential as a complete destination, visit WhiteWater.

About WhiteWater

Founded in 1980, WhiteWater is dedicated to creating spaces where families come together and create treasured memories. The company collaborates with clients from project conception to the successful launch of award-winning attractions, including water rides, slides, and beyond. WhiteWater's commitment extends to delivering reliable, efficient products, solidifying its status as a market leader in innovative aquatic solutions, ensuring parks around the globe thrive as hubs of fun.

With a focus on crafting unique experiences, WhiteWater prioritizes problem-solving for parks, helping them realize their vision while delighting guests worldwide.