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29 March 2024

Middle East needs more budget hotels

Published
By Staff Writer

(DENNIS B MALLARI)   

 


The Middle East market is crying out for quality, low cost hotel accommodation to address massive increases in expected tourist levels, said Gerard Greene, CEO, Yotel, the recently launched pod-style hotel concept.

Huge regional tourism growth, Greene said in a statement, will see a whole new mid-market segment of hotel outfits, which provide luxury hotel accommodation at affordable prices, open up throughout the Middle East. He also confirmed that Yotel is negotiating on several regional properties.

“The Middle East is the world’s fastest growing region for travel and it has a very established traditional four- and five-star market. However, there are limited exciting design-led properties. I’ve always said that there are markets around the globe where the restricted choice for the consumer in the hotel industry affects its continued growth.

“It’s either stay in a really expensive hotel or pay a low price for mediocrity,” said Greene.


“As travel to the Middle East increases, so does the demand for varied accommodation. The branded budget market such as Express by Holiday Inn and Travelodge has been non-existent in the Middle East up until recently. There is now strong demand for good quality, low priced accommodation here.”

Greene is planning to spell out that demand and opportunities for low-cost accommodation providers at a dedicated seminar he will address at this year’s Arabian Travel Market – the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event.

“Hotel customers are now more astute than ever,” said Greene. “They are disappointed with poor or average quality and want value for money, seek a level of excitement from inspirational products and services, and want things to be simple and logical. The consumer market is changing and this is ultimately having an impact on the hotel industry.”