Monday, March 10, 2025
Dubai Parks and Resorts is set for massive growth as Maktoum International expands to 260 million passengers, driving tourism, hotel demand, and visitor influx.
Dubai’s Hospitality Sector to Flourish with Maktoum International Expansion and Dubai Parks Growth
Dubai’s hospitality industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, particularly for properties within Dubai Parks and Resorts, as the expansion of Maktoum International Airport promises to elevate visitor influx and travel connectivity.
Airport Expansion to Boost Tourism and Hotel Occupancy
The much-anticipated completion of the new terminal at Dubai World Central (DWC) is set to reshape the tourism landscape, significantly benefiting hotels and attractions in the region. Faiek El Saadani, General Manager of Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection, emphasized that the project will enhance accessibility and fuel a surge in visitors, positioning Dubai Parks and Resorts as a premier destination.
Designed to accommodate 150 million passengers initially, with scalability to 260 million, the new terminal at Maktoum International Airport aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global travel hub.
Dubai Parks and Resorts’ Growing Appeal
While Dubai Parks and Resorts continues to establish itself in the market, its strategic location near theme parks and entertainment attractions contributes to its rising popularity. The top three visitor markets for Lapita currently include the CIS region, the UK, and Germany, with emerging markets such as Africa, Finland, and France gaining traction.
Lapita reported a full-year occupancy of 61% in 2023, with projections for 2025 surpassing expectations. The Q1 2025 forecast shows an occupancy rate of 81%, with an annual target of 65%, indicating a positive trajectory fueled by increased travel demand.
Lapita’s Evolution from 4-Star to 5-Star Excellence
Lapita is undergoing a strategic transformation to elevate its four-star classification to five-star status, a move aimed at enhancing its competitive positioning. While the hotel’s room sizes already meet five-star standards, additional product refinements and targeted investments are underway to meet luxury classification criteria.
Achieving five-star status will allow Lapita to compete more effectively with Dubai’s premium destinations like Palm Jumeirah, offering visitors an upscale alternative at a comparable price point.
Despite debates about the relevance of the traditional hotel rating system, industry leaders stress the importance of maintaining global classification standards to uphold Dubai’s reputation as a world-class hospitality hub.
With Maktoum International Airport’s expansion, rising tourism demand, and Lapita’s five-star transition, Dubai Parks and Resorts is poised to play a more significant role in Dubai’s hospitality and entertainment ecosystem in the years to come.
