São Paulo – The number of hospitality professionals is estimated to grow in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. So indicated a report by Colliers on Hospitality Education in the GCC with a focus on the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Arabian Business reported.
“Considering the forthcoming supply of hotel rooms, it is estimated that the GCC would require over 90,000 skilled hospitality professionals by 2026 out of which approximately 82,000 would be required in Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” Mansoor Ahmed, executive director & head of development solutions, healthcare, education & public-private partnerships (PPP): Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region at Colliers, told the Arabian Business.
It is estimated that over 100,000 rooms would be supplied across the region by 2026. The hospitality industry in the GCC region has grown remarkably over the past decade with inbound tourist arrivals reaching 59.7 million in 2019, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.1% during the period 2015 – 2019.
With further growth in the demand for professionals, Colliers indicated that hospitality education is on the rise across the GCC, with a focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia has been a center for religious tourism, it is rapidly developing itself as a leisure destination.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
