THUS, THE RECENT ENDEAVOURS TO ENHANCE THE DESTINATION’S IMAGE BOTH ON THE BUSINESS AS WELL AS ON THE LEISURE FRONT.
With investment in the country’s travel and tourism industry expected to grow 4.3 per annum over the next years to reach KWD276 million (USD915 million) by 2025, tourism is set to become a vital pillar of socio-economic development, further increasing the sector’s contribution, which stood at just 1.5 percent in 2014, to the national GDP.
“Kuwait has emerged in the Middle East as the key business hub and with the influx of opportunities both for local and foreign partnerships, growth in infrastructure and tourism is inevitable,” explained Tomas Cermak, marketing assistant, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait, saying that the social, business and historical sectors – all of which have played a major role in molding the modern day Kuwait – offer a myriad of opportunities for prosperity.
As Cermak pinpointed, due to the presence of diverse nationals from all corners of the world, a multitude of cultures and traditions have intertwined, creating a unique and multicultural environment with an abundance of quality leisure options from fine dining to fashion.
On the business front, both local and foreign investors have embarked on notable projects, further developing the country’s infrastructure, thus, laying down the foundation for business and entertainment options as well.
In fact, thanks to the country’s straightforward strategy, today Kuwait is considered a vital business hub in the region, attracting significant interest from both regional and international companies that have established or are willing to establish presence in the state, highlighted Hakan Petek, general manager, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait.
“The government of Kuwait is keen to improve the country’s tourism growth and infrastructure,” underlined Petek, referring to the nation’s participation in Expo Milano 2015, during which Kuwait even managed to scoop the International Award for Construction Art for its pavilion, reaffirming the destination’s global recognition and rising success.
ACTIVATING TOURISM
Underscoring the high potential the leadership attaches to the industry as a way to diversify sources of revenue, mitigate the unfavourable impact of low oil prices and, nevertheless, create more opportunities for young people, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs recently staged the Tourism and Development: Reality and Outlook conference.
The fact that the event was held under the motto Tourism is a need and a purpose, speaks volumes about the government’s determination to give the industry’s growth a new impetus.
Within this framework, the Ministry of Information outlined plans to activate the role of the sector and form a Supreme Commission for Tourism that would spearhead all related activities and strategies.
The grand plan includes the involvement of the private sector with the aim to promote and develop new avenues of national income other than the traditional methods linked to oil, explained Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, information and youth affairs minister, Kuwait.
In order to achieve this, he urged the further development of tourism related infrastructure, which would ultimately help establish the country as a financial and commercial hub.
As Al Sahab reminded, in 2013, a state body was formed to foster direct investment in order to improve the overall business environment, enhance competitiveness and expand opportunities.
In this regard, the government has already embarked on the implementation of various projects, with a strong focus on cultural programmes, with the support of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
By amplifying the sector’s role and offering employment, thus, decreasing the economy’s reliance on oil, such initiatives fall in line with Kuwait’s diversification drive.
As the minister pinpointed, with its rich historical and archeological heritage and cultural legacy, the GCC in general has the potential to become a major global tourist magnet.
To this end, Al Sahab called for more intense cooperation and effective partnerships among the Gulf states, with the private sector playing an even more crucial role in this push.
