Tourism & Hospitality | Friday 20 March, 2015 1:37 pm |

Cedric Gaillard, General Manager of Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown foresees a massive growth in the tourism and retail sector in the upcoming years with Expo 2020 being the main driver for grand construction and infrastructure project developments.

He said, during an interview, that “The tourism industry’s impact on United Arab Emirates economy will only grow in a variety of areas. The country’s vision clearly communicates a need for a shift from Oil & Gas industry ruled market to an economic diversification with various tourism development projects, such as Saadiyat Island and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, as well as Etihad Rail and expansion of airports and ports.”

Gaillard believes that the seven Emirates should operate under the same rules and regulations in order to develop the tourism sector in the country accordingly. “This would boost the tourism between the Emirates and increase the average length of stay in the country. The authenticity of each Emirate is remarkable and the UAE definitely has a great potential to mark its place on the world map as a top leisure and entertainment destination,” he said.

With remarks to Holiday Inn, he pointed out that the hotel is filled with a corporate business travelers coming from Europe, US and GCC countries. “We don’t foresee a big shift in our business mix in the upcoming 1-2 years.”

Highlighting the importance of participating in International and regional tourism exhibitions, Gaillard believes business is mostly driven by the local market, and largely revolves around the Oil & Gas industry and its subsidiaries. However, he grasps some potential benefits from participating in locally organized exhibitions such as the ATM.