Regional tourists who now account for over 30 per cent of the inbound traffic for GCC countries, are expected to increase by a further 8 per cent in 2012, according to CMPi UAE, organizers of exhibitions.

The increase will be due to a rise in the number of GCC families who are expected to travel within the GCC, instead of opting for foreign travel, said the organisers.

CMPi is the organiser of the Middle East Attractions, Amusements, Parks, Leisure and Entertainment International Trade Exhibition (Meaaple), which is scheduled to take place from February 2 to 4, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

GCC outbound travelers spent in excess of Dh44.04 billion ($12 billion) on vacations in 2007 and this figure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6 per cent to Dh55.6 billion by 2012, according to industry estimates.

“The typical GCC tourist prefers a ‘family-oriented’ tourism experience and the profile of the leisure travelers to the GCC will no longer be limited to sun, sea, sand, shopping and security, the five S’s on which the Gulf tourism industry has been developed and will now have the added alternative of entertainment resorts, theme parks and heritage attractions,” remarked Paul Grinnall, show director of Meaaple.

He noted that more than 30 multi-faceted entertainment resorts and theme parks are being built in the GCC until 2012 with a projected investment of Dh228 billion ($62 billion).

“This diversification of the tourism product offering will result in increased business and additional guest nights for the GCC countries,” Grinnall stressed.-TradeArabia News Service