The tourism industry was one of the first to take a massive hit earlier this year following the global lockdown and travel restrictions imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2019, it accounted for a healthy 10 per cent of the global gross domestic product. In contrast, US management consultancy McKinsey & Company estimated this year that tourist arrival figures worldwide are expected to plummet between 60 to 80 per cent, with spending in the tourism sector unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024.
According to the UN’s World Travel Organisation, the world witnessed a loss of 440 million international arrivals that wiped out $460 billion (Dh1.689 trillion) in export revenue in the first half of 2020. That is almost five times the loss in international travel revenues recorded during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Over the past month or so, restrictions have been eased in nearly 50 per cent of the world’s travel destinations. Although there are new safety measures in place that alter the travel experience considerably, we must see this as an opportunity to inject resources into the travel sector, in order to jumpstart economic activity and begin the slow process of recovering the massive losses.
While to an extent every nation benefits from travel and tourism, the GCC region has rapidly grown its travel sector in recent decades to diversify its economy and make it less reliant on oil.
The tourism offerings in the Arab region are a jewel in the crown of the global travel sector. We offer a variety of cultural experiences, a connection to nature, and a host of retail and leisure options for travellers seeking an enriching escape from their daily lives.
1. Cool down at Yas Waterworld - the waterpark has reopened with safety measures in place. Courtesy Yas Waterworld
2. Sail a speedboat through the Abu Dhabi mangroves. Courtesy Rhino Rides Abu Dhabi
3. Take an early morning swim with horses. Courtesy Dhabian Equestrian Club
4. Go shooting at Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
5. Connect with nature and take in the views at the Fossil Dunes. Courtesy Flickr/ Robert Haandrikman
6. Take a night-time kayak tour of Louvre Abu Dhabi.
7. Scale the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at Clymb on Yas Island.
8. Spend an afternoon bowling at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
9. Take a day trip to Al Maya Island. Courtesy Al Maya Island
10. Watch the sun set over the city from Observation Deck at 300. Courtesy Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
11. Drive to Al Quaa and picnic under a starlit sky, with no light pollution and possible Milky Way sightings. Courtesy Samy Al Olabi
Notably, now more than ever, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak and the ensuing global lockdowns and restrictions, people are keen to unwind and take much-needed respite from the unprecedented stress they continue to experience in their everyday lives.
Studies have indicated numerous benefits of travel: it boosts both physical and mental health, contributes to greater well-being, increases stamina and productivity, decreases burnout and, in the long run, even enhances sleep patterns.
GCC countries have come a long way in the past few decades... this is not the first time we have faced challenges, and we will emerge from this too, more resilient than ever
Historically, some of the world’s most influential and profitable brands were born from the inclination to elevate society. One of the most remarkable success stories is that of Walt Disney, who was not deterred by the Great Depression when it began in 1929.
Instead, he found an opportunity to bring joy into people’s lives through sharing his craft. His perseverance, optimism and belief in the arts during those challenging years gave us beloved entertainment that continues to enchant consumers – be it through films, TV shows, merchandise or amusement parks.
Similarly, we need to look inwards and revisit our greatest strengths that could potentially restart our economies after the setbacks of this year.
Tourists visit a cave at Ain Razat, a water spring in Salalah, Dhofar province, Oman, August 2016. Reuters
Across sectors, smaller operators, family businesses and small and medium enterprises have all been hit hard. This is a good time to support them, as a positive step in rebuilding our economies to suit the needs and aspirations of potential guests.
Of course, in an era of social distancing and staying at home, we need to focus on tourists from our own countries, within the region, as well as globally.
A traditional boat moored in the port of Mutrah in the Omani capital Muscat on September 18, 2020. AFP
Not unexpectedly, people are looking for short getaways close to home that do not require the added expense and stress of air travel. Staycations are a quick solution to the humdrum of everyday lives. Stakeholders in the travel industry everywhere would do well to offer customers a host of options within or close to their cities.
Downtown Dubai. Getty
Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in and around metropolises can tailor packages to suit the interests and needs of residents and encourage them to consider taking breaks.
Tourism boards across the region can co-ordinate their efforts to provide visitors from neighbouring countries access to attractive offerings.
By pooling resources, we can create bundle deals and incentives that encourage the safe movement and travel of residents who are keen to enjoy short breaks close to home.
In addition, the government agencies and businesses in the tourism sector need to work closely to ensure that offerings are tailored to suit the current climate and marketed to relevant audiences.
Although 2020 has brought with it a series of setbacks, we must not lose hope. We must remember that the GCC countries have come a long way in the past few decades. They have developed rapidly and built world-class cities and knowledge-based economies, elevating themselves among the world’s most developed nations.
This is not the first time we have faced challenges. In the past, we have emerged from economic crises more resilient than ever. This one is no exception.
Our region’s tourism sector has been an integral component of our success story. There is no doubt that with strategic planning and the right resources, we can bring our offerings back into the global spotlight and, most importantly, lead our economic recovery.
Mohammed Alardhi is executive chairman of Investcorp and chairman of Bank Sohar, and was the longest-serving Omani head of the Royal Air Force of Oman
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson
Four stars
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
