Key Findings

A new collaborative report from PwC Middle East and global travel intelligence platform Mabrian Technologies indicates significant changes in visitor preferences across the Gulf Region. The report titled Stay Play Shop: Shaping Integrated Destinations for Connected Visitor Experiences suggests that travelers are increasingly attracted to destinations that provide cultural meaning and deep emotional connections.

Shift Towards Dynamic Ecosystems

The report emphasizes a move from static, asset-driven development towards more dynamic, visitor-centered ecosystems. This approach aims to foster longer stays, greater engagement, and enhanced economic impact.

Practical Framework for Development

The report offers a structured framework aimed at development companies, tourism authorities, and destination managers to create experience-led environments. The goal is to ensure that accommodation, events, retail, and entertainment integrate seamlessly into a cohesive visitor journey.

Insights from Industry Leaders

According to Nicolas Mayer, Lead Partner at PwC Middle East, “Stay Play Shop is more than just a slogan: it is a substantial framework supported by visitor insights that can enhance spending and loyalty.”

Philippe Najar adds, “By adopting the Stay Play Shop philosophy, leaders can influence both the destinations people visit and the depth of their engagement with those places. This is about cultivating lasting legacies that instill cultural pride and visitor loyalty.”

Sonia Huerta from Mabrian Technologies notes, “Public-private partnerships among key stakeholders will be crucial for enabling the Stay Play Shop model and improving metrics for success. The Gulf Region stands to gain remarkably from advancements in visitor satisfaction and sentiment metrics.”

Conclusion

This report underscores the necessity for evolving tourism strategies to meet the changing demands of visitors in the Gulf Region, indicating a promising future for destination development.