James Britchford, vice president, sales and marketing, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, noted 2017 had been a great year for the general travel and tourism industry in Dubai, with close to 12 million visitors up to September, reflecting a 7.5 percent increase over the same period in 2016.

“In the many years that I have lived [in Dubai], I have seen many additional tourist attractions open which in fairness and in keeping with the tradition of Dubai have always been of the highest level.

Sports tourism, however, is just as much about fans following the events as it is about the participants themselves.  “Sporting events are important to everyone, particularly to leisure guests who want to stay in touch with