WHILE THE NUMBER OF LARGE-SCALE EVENTS IS SKYROCKETING IN THE REGION, TRAVELLERS ARE INCREASINGLY INTERESTED IN EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES, THUS PAVING THE WAY FOR A RECREATIONAL SPORTS SEGMENT.
According to World Travel and Tourism Council, sports tourism is a USD600 billion global industry, generating approximately 25 percent of all tourism receipts across the world.
In Dubai alone, the economic impact of sports from non-Dubai sources stood at around USD670 million, as revealed in Deloitte’s 2015 report, Economic Impact of Sport in Dubai.
While the Middle East continues to establish its reputation for hosting sport events, and is developing an extensive calendar of international competitions, with the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup considered the pinnacle, the region is also gaining traction as a reputable destination for recreational and adventure sports activities.
More than ever before, tourists are seeking much more than sun, sea and relaxation, as proactive, authentic experiences are increasingly vital to any trip.
As Mary Ann Roberta, corporate director, marketing and development, Al Nahda Hotels & Resorts, clarified, “The modern travellers, irrespective of age, are interested in participating in high-octane, adrenaline-pumping sports. The mindset of today’s traveller is not just [focussed on] sightseeing, they want exhilarating, exciting action.”
ADVENTURER’S PLAYGROUND
The notable shift in demographics of visitors to the region, from middle-aged couples to a more heterogeneous clientele, has meant a diversification in terms of activities on offer.
Dinesh Poojary, general manager, Eihab Travels, described paragliding and paramotoring as the latest addition to Oman’s adventure portfolio.
Highlighting the growing potential of such pursuits, he further explained, “Considering the increasing interests in these activities, we expect this to become more popular in the days ahead.”
Given the region’s unique topography, it comes as no surprise that Ras Al Khaimah is also placing great importance on its sports tourism sector, with Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), noting, “Sports tourism is a vitally important segment for Ras Al Khaimah [...].”
While RAKTDA has successfully hosted a number of world-class sporting events, and aims to enhance its presence in the international sporting arena, Mattar also pinpointed that adventure tourism and wellness are two of its three core pillars in attracting visitors to the emirate.
One key achievement in this regard is the launch of Jebel Jais Via Ferrata, what is said to be the region’s first commercial Via Ferrata.
Having only opened in November 2016, the first month of operation saw average bookings of 84 percent, which, as stated by Mattar, rose to 94 percent on weekends.
In light of the climbing route’s popularity, RAKTDA plans to extend the courses later this year as well as launch what is set to become the world’s longest zip line.
Along with the increasingly accessible mountains, the region is renowned for its desert-based recreational sports, where visitors can enjoy dune bashing, horse-riding excursions and fat biking across sand dunes, to list a few.
Thanks to the immense coastline of the region, and the strategic location of many resorts, guests are able to enjoy an extensive range of increasingly sought-after water sports.
Thomas Fehlbier, general manager, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, underscored that the property’s island location positions it as a natural choice for recreational and adventure activities, particularly water sports.
Fehlbier outlined the wealth of options on offer, including wakeboarding, paddle boarding and scuba diving, as well as more relaxed alternatives such as fishing trips and boat cruises.
Not only can travellers enjoy the region’s natural landscape, but the Middle East also features leading facilities for sports not traditionally associated with the region, such as Ski Dubai, as highlighted by Lina Bassam, executive director, wholesale, Nirvana Travel & Tourism, who also mentioned bungee jumping and sky diving as extreme sports options in the UAE, a measure of the assortment of activities available.
