HVS is pleased to present the Hospitality GCC Hotel Owner & Investor Survey, offering insights into market sentiment and expectations across the region. While uncertainty continues to influence decision-making, the hospitality sector has consistently shown resilience and adaptability. Investors that remain flexible and responsive to evolving market trends are likely to be better positioned for future opportunities.

The 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict caused a sharp, rapid disruption to GCC hospitality by collapsing aviation capacity and traveler confidence. While flights began recovering after April, hotel demand lagged. Internationally exposed markets like the UAE were hit hardest, while Saudi Arabia showed resilience due to domestic and religious demand. Recovery is expected to be gradual, driven more by confidence than connectivity.

Today’s travelers are prioritizing their health and wellbeing more than ever before, triggering the rapid development worldwide of dedicated resorts and driving mainstream hotels to expand their facilities. Hala Matar Choufany, president of HVS Middle East Africa, drills down into the numbers and explains why health-related resorts offer significant potential for regional developers.

Our views around the world reflect early optimism for 2025, with the anticipation of stronger transaction activity and modestly improving hotel metrics in most regions.

The Middle East's luxury hotel market is expanding, fueled by economic diversification and a growing population of high-net-worth individuals. Key destinations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are experiencing significant development in luxury accommodations. However, potential oversupply in major cities could affect room rates and occupancy. The outlook remains positive, supported by continued investment in unique, high-end experiences.

Hala Matar Choufany shares her insights on Bloomberg Alsharq with Maya Hojeij, discussing key drivers behind the region's impressive visitation growth and tourism expansion.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco has been navigating a difficult recovery affected by multiple issues, from safety concerns to a weak convention calendar. However, the long-term outlook remains cautiously optimistic given the growing presence of AI companies and major sporting events planned for 2026.

This article examines Florence's tourism industry resilience amidst crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing key performance indicators such as airport statistics, hotel supply, and operating performance. Despite setbacks, Florence witnessed a remarkable recovery, notably in 2023, with record-breaking Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). The analysis also highlights investment trends and future challenges, including concerns about over-tourism and evolving market dynamics.

Hala's contribution as one of the leading world experts in the "Business and Management Collection" from Henry Stewart Talks on the topic of Hospitality in the Middle East

Following the aftermath of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is looking to maintain the level of attention its travel and tourism industry received. With future events planned and a long-term vision, the country is actively working to diversify and strengthen its brand to keep up with its neighboring competitors.