TRI Consulting - Middle East Hotel Market Review 2019
TRI Consulting - Middle East Hotel Market Review 2019
TRI Consulting - Middle East Hotel Market Review 2019
SHIFTING SANDS
THE MIDDLE EAST
HOTEL MARKET REPORT - 2019
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
higher than 2017. China and the UK were the second and third largest
international source markets with 401,000 and 278,000 visitors respectively. ABU DHABI - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
According to Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the number of hotel BAR, 24.3
guests in the city in 2018 increased by 3.9 percent to 5.0 million with the
average length of stay increasing marginally to 2.6 days. Corporate,
Other, 11.2 16.7
Additionally, the city’s hotel market experienced a 7 percent increase in supply
last year, currently standing at 168 properties with 32,971 keys.
PERFORMANCE Tour/Group,
10.2
In 2018, Abu Dhabi hotels achieved average occupancy rates of 75.6 percent,
which represents a marginal increase of 0.5 percentage points over previous
year. Although demand levels increased, average rates remained soft, falling Conference,
Leisure, 25.7
12.0
6.3 percent to US$ 125.4 as hoteliers adopted to reduce prices in order to
maintain market share.
ABU DHABI - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
A 5.6 percent year-on-year drop in RevPAR, coupled with lower F&B revenue
resulted in TRevPAR dropping 5.5 percent. Although top line revenues declined 90.0
76.5
during 2018, it was an improvement on the reductions experienced in previous 80.0
years. 70.0
57.3 59.1
Although payroll expenses reduced marginally by only 0.5 percentage points, 60.0
Furthermore, the city will face significant supply increases in 2019 as the project 2018 2017 %
pipeline is limited to a small number of properties. Admin & General 4.6% 4.3% -0.3
The main challenge hoteliers will face is striking a fair balance between POMEC 3.0% 3.0% 0.0
maintaining occupancy and average rates, particularly as the strong dollar Sales & Marketing 3.7% 3.6% -0.1
reduces the spending power of visitors from the UK and Europe. Energy Costs 6.5% 6.3% -0.2
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
PERFORMANCE Corporate,
Other, 3.1 11.3
The continued growth in visitors helped offset the 7.0 percent increase in overall
supply, limiting the decline in occupancy levels to only 0.8 percentage points.
Overall occupancy levels for the year closed at 79.2 percent. Tour/Group,
12.0
Despite the overall stable occupancy levels, hoteliers were unable to regain
greater control over room rates which reduced by 5.6 percent during the year,
resulting in a 6.3 percent decline in RevPAR to US$ 174.1. Conference,
10.8
Leisure, 40.2
BAR and Leisure markets remain the key sources of demand for Dubai hotels,
whilst corporate demand fell 0.9 percentage points on the back of weaker
corporate activity during the year.
DUBAI - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
The reduction in RevPAR was compounded by lower F&B revenues, resulting
90.0
in a 5.4 percent fall in TRevPAR to US$ 302.1. 77.3
80.0
Payroll expenses were slightly higher in 2018, due in part to the lower overall 70.0 62.1 62.2
revenues, and when coupled with higher non-operating expenses, saw 60.0
GOPPAR fall 12.3 percent to US$ 111.6 while profit conversion dropped 2.9
50.0
percentage points to 36.9 percent. 38.7 38.0
40.0
MARKET OUTLOOK 30.0
Dubai’s hotel market is projected to face further pressure on room rates in 2019 20.0
as the market responds to the strong growth in supply expected throughout the 10.0
year. 0.0
Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
Based on the STR pipeline report, Dubai market is expected to see over 24,000
rooms enter the market, however it is anticipated that a significant proportion
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
of the projects will be delayed and pushed into the following years.
2018 2017 %
Despite the increased supply expected in 2019, the growth of Chinese and Admin & General 3.6% 3.3% -0.3
Russian visitors is expected to help rebalance the supply-demand equation.
POMEC 2.0% 1.9% -0.1
However, the weaker economic outlook for Europe and issues arising over
Sales & Marketing 3.2% 3.2% 0.0
Brexit, will likely result in continued dollar strength and further place pressure
on the market to attract high-value visitors. Energy Costs 6.9% 6.7% -0.2
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
Jeddah hotel market has consistently achieved strong performance levels in 2018 2017 %
the past, driven by the limited supply of quality hotels and stable year-round Occ (%) 65.2 67.0 -1.8
demand. However, last year, the market saw rooms supply expand by 8.1 ARR (US$) 290.7 293.2 -0.8%
percent while demand growth remained soft, causing performance levels to RevPAR (US$) 189.6 196.5 -3.5%
continue to decline from the previous year.
TRevPAR (US$) 295.8 314.6 -6.0%
Key openings in 2018 included Hotel Galleria by Elaf, Radisson Blu Jeddah Payroll % 28.4 25.4 3.0
Corniche and Centro Salama Jeddah by Rotana.
GOPPAR (US$) 135.6 142.4 -4.8%
PERFORMANCE GOP % 45.8 45.3 0.6
The four and five star hotel market in Jeddah reported an average occupancy
of 65.2 percent in 2018, a 1.8 percentage point decrease on 2017. Unlike JEDDAH - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
previous years, the Jeddah market was unable to maintain average rate
performance as ARR dropped 0.8 percent to US$ 290.7. Corporate,
31.1
Corporate demand continues to be the key driver of demand in the city BAR, 21.4
accounting for 31.1 percent of guest nights. BAR and Conference demand
generated similar levels of demand at 21-22 percent, whilst Leisure demand
attracted 17.1 percent.
The reduction in average rate was driven by a 13.3 percent decline in BAR Other, 6.4
rates as well as a 5.5 percent decline in leisure rates. However, with the market
Tour/Group,
being primarily driven by corporate demand, the 2.3 percent rise in rates from 2.6
Leisure, 17.1
maintain healthy department profits at 86.4 percent, which are some of the
highest in the region. This indicates that hoteliers were focused on maintaining JEDDAH - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
efficient operations on the back of weak market performance.
100.0
Lower overall revenues coupled with higher payroll and non-operating 90.0
86.4
79.5
expenses, notably administration and general and energy costs, resulted in 80.0 71.4
GOPPAR falling 4.8 percent to US$ 135.6 70.0
60.0
Nevertheless, it should be noted that four and five-star hotels in Jeddah
50.0 43.7
achieved one of the highest profit conversion levels in the region in 2018, with
40.0
an average GOP of 45.8 percent.
30.0
18.6
MARKET OUTLOOK 20.0
10.0
Whilst the overall economic outlook for Saudi Arabia is positive, driven by
0.0
government-led spending, the expected increase in supply will place additional Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
pressure on hotel performance.
Based on STR pipeline data, the market will witness a 17 percent increase in NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
supply with 13 hotels and 1,800 keys planned to open in 2019. Hoteliers will
2018 2017 %
need to ensure that they have sound strategies to deal with this supply increase
Admin & General 2.0% 4.6% 2.6
and prevent a potential rate war as the new hotels adopt aggressive pricing
policies into order to carve out market share. POMEC 2.3% 2.4% 0.1
Sales & Marketing 2.3% 2.6% 0.3
Energy Costs 4.9% 4.9% 0.0
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
Riyadh’s hotel market continued to witness a major growth in supply in 2018 2018 2017 %
with the entry of numerous internationally branded four and five star hotels. Occ (%) 58.8 59.8 -1.0
Despite an additional 1,800 keys (>7% increase) entering the market in 2018, ARR (US$) 181.5 209.1 -13.2%
hoteliers were able to maintain relatively stable occupancy levels, albeit falling RevPAR (US$) 106.6 125.1 -14.8%
by a marginal 1.0 percentage points to 58.8 percent. The decline in occupancy TRevPAR (US$) 187.6 224.2 -16.3%
compounded the significantly weakened average room rates which resulted in Payroll % 30.7 25.7 5.0
a big drop in RevPAR performance in 2018.
GOPPAR (US$) 70.8 102.6 -31.0%
PERFORMANCE GOP % 37.7 45.8 -8.0
Corporate demand remained the key driver of demand, contributing 29.9 Other, 5.0
percent of total room nights, whilst BAR, Leisure and Conference generated Tour/Group,
Corporate,
29.9
secondary demand. 1.1
The city’s hotels continue to be driven by rooms revenue, generating over 56.8
percent of total income. However, the popularity of weddings and social events
played a key part in generating hotel revenue with food revenue’s contribution
Conference,
increasing to 37.8 percent of total revenue. 25.0
Unlike previous years, food and beverage and conference and banqueting
revenues were unable to offset the decline in overall rooms revenue and Leisure, 16.5
compounded the decline in RevPAR to drive a 16.3 percent decrease in
TRevPAR to US$ 187.6. RIYADH - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
GOPPAR decreasing 31.0 percent to US$ 70.8 and profit conversion 60.0
decreasing 8.0 percentage points to 37.7 percent of total revenue. 50.0
48.0
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
The Al Khobar hotel market experienced mixed performance in 2018, however 2018 2017 %
overall, hotels ended the year with positive growth in RevPAR and notably Occ (%) 62.9 55.1 7.8
higher profitability. The stronger demand growth in the first half of the year ARR (US$) 150.3 167.1 -10.1%
helped the market drive higher overall revenues and profits, despite the heavy RevPAR (US$) 94.6 92.0 2.7%
decline in average rate performance.
TRevPAR (US$) 149.1 144.6 3.1%
Between Al Khobar, Dammam and Dhahran, the market saw 17.3% growth in Payroll % 33.9 35.4 -1.5
rooms supply in 2018, primarily in the midscale and upscale segments.
GOPPAR (US$) 47.4 43.8 8.1%
Although the impact of this growth wasn’t fully visible on the full-year
GOP % 31.8 30.3 1.5
performance levels, hotels reported competition intensifying towards the end of
the year which is starting to take a toll on the average rates.
PERFORMANCE AL KHOBAR - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
BAR, 36.1
The market-wide occupancies increased 7.8 percentage points in 2018, from Other, 3.9
55.1 percent to 62.9 percent, however the average rates fell 10.1 percent from
US$ 167.1 to US$ 150.3 during the period. Tour/Group,
1.2
Due to Al Khobar’s location along the Gulf and its position as a key corporate
destination for oil-related industries, hotels have historically benefited from a
fairly balanced demand segmentation. Conference,
17.8
However, in 2018, the corporate segment contributed only 26.6 percent of total Corporate,
demand whilst the BAR and leisure accounted for over half of the total demand 26.6
with 36.1 percent and 14.4 percent of the demand, respectively. Leisure, 14.4
While the corporate demand was heavily affected by the depressed oil prices
and the resulting regional economic slowdown, hotels were able to offset this
by attracting significant MICE demand in 2018. Leisure demand, which AL KHOBAR - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
contributed 20.2 percent of the total room nights in 2017, also deteriorated as
90.0
domestic travellers started to cut spending, resulting in a 13.7% drop in the 79.0
80.0
average rate from this segment. 71.2
66.9
70.0
An uplift in F&B revenues complemented the RevPAR growth, resulting in a 3.1 60.0
percent increase in TRevPAR to US$ 149.1. Lower operating costs coupled 50.0 43.3 45.4
with reduced payroll expenses, drove an 8.1 percent increase in GOPPAR to 40.0
US$ 47.4 and a 1.5 percentage point increase in profit conversion.
30.0
MARKET OUTLOOK 20.0
10.0
Al Khobar’s strength as a leisure and corporate destination will continue to drive
hotel and serviced apartment demand in the city in the future. Although hotel 0.0
Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
accommodation demand is expected to continue to grow in the short term, the
growth in performance which we saw last year could be dampened in 2019 as
the new supply, which opened in 2018, and additional supply expected to enter NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
the market in 2019 are likely to cause disruption to the supply-demand 2018 2017 %
equilibrium in the short term. Admin & General 6.0% 4.9% -1.1
POMEC 2.5% 2.5% 0.0
Sales & Marketing 3.9% 4.5% 0.6
Energy Costs 5.6% 5.9% 0.3
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
Hotel demand in Makkah is driven by religious tourism which attracted over 8.5 2018 2017 %
million foreign pilgrims to the city in 2018 to perform Umrah and Hajj, in addition Occ (%) 69.3 71.1 -0.8
to millions of domestic visitations every year. With the completion of some ARR (US$) 228.7 235.5 -2.9%
phases of the Masjid Al Haram expansion, the authorities have now begun RevPAR (US$) 158.6 167.1 -5.1%
ramping up the issuance of Hajj and Umrah visas.
TRevPAR (US$) 218.4 229.8 -4.9%
With the completion of the Mataf expansion in 2016, the authorities have been Payroll % 19.0 18.7 0.3
able to increase the number of Umrah visas in 2017 and 2018, which have
GOPPAR (US$) 119.6 126.6 -5.6%
resulted in an increase in demand for hotels in Makkah.
GOP % 54.7 55.1 -0.4
Supply growth in 2018 has been relatively limited. However, the introduction of
additional visa fees for repeat Umrah pilgrims had a dampening effect on
demand, leading to a decline in performance levels in 2018. MAKKAH - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
Due to the religious nature of hotel demand in Madinah, hotel performance 2018 2017 %
levels appear to be strongly correlated with those observed in Makkah. Occ (%) 61.6 61.9 -0.3
Although the planned expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque has resulted in ARR (US$) 175.4 194.5 -9.8%
shrinking hotel supply over the last couple of years, hotel performance levels RevPAR (US$) 108.0 120.5 -10.4%
have continued to decline during this period.
TRevPAR (US$) 185.4 204.7 -9.4%
With a view to developing religious tourism in Madinah in tandem with the Payroll % 27.6 24.7 2.9
planned increase in religious tourist numbers to the Kingdom, the government
GOPPAR (US$) 85.1 109.3 -22.2%
has launched a number of major infrastructure projects which include the
GOP % 45.9 53.4 -7.5
expansion of the Haram, the expansion of the airport and the construction of
the Haramain Express Railway Station.
PERFORMANCE MADINAH - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
The city’s hotel occupancy levels remained steady from 2017 to 2018, posting Corporate,
6.6
a 0.3 percentage point decline to 61.6 percent. However, in order to maintain Leisure, 43.7
these occupancy levels, hoteliers had to adapt their rates to the market’s price
sensitive demand, resulting in a 10.4 percent decrease in RevPAR to US$ BAR, 14.2
108.0.
Given the nature of the hotel market in the holy city, the decline in TRevPAR Other, 1.5
was not further compounded by any decrease in F&B revenue levels. The city’s
hotel demand continues to be driven by convenience and proximity to the Holy
Mosque, resulting in limited F&B offerings. Tour/Group,
26.0 Conference,
Payroll expenses as percentage of total revenue increased 2.9 percentage 7.9
points, reflecting the dip in total revenue. The government’s ongoing
nationalization program of its workforce has not yet impacted hotel profit & loss
MADINAH - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
statements, albeit we anticipate it to result in higher payroll expenses in the
coming years. Altogether, the market witnessed a 22.2 percent erosion of 100.0 90.9
GOPPAR to US$ 85.1 in 2018. 90.0
80.9
80.0 73.3
Religious tourism accounts for almost all of the hotel demand in the city’s
central area, dominated by domestic demand and regional GCC demand. 70.0
Interestingly, demand from Tours/Groups segment has declined notably in the 60.0
last few years, from being the largest segment (38.3 percent) in 2015 to second 50.0 45.0
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
OMAN
MUSCAT
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
OMAN - MUSCAT
MARKET OVERVIEW HOTEL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Muscat’s hotels experienced a challenging 2018 with the market witnessing a 2018 2017 %
decline in most key performance indicators. Occ (%) 61.3 69.9 -8.6
As Oman continued to face economic headwinds on the back of low oil prices ARR (US$) 196.0 189.1 3.7%
and lower government spending, the hotel sector in the capital saw demand RevPAR (US$) 120.2 132.1 -9.0%
levels fall, driving lower revenues and profits. TRevPAR (US$) 244.3 264.6 -7.6%
The city’s hotels continue to be driven by rooms revenue, however, the decline
in RevPAR was compounded by a 7.0 percent decrease in F&B revenue per BAR, 20.7 Corporate,
32.9
available room, forcing TRevPAR 7.6 percent lower to US$ 244.3.
Corporate demand remained the prominent segment in 2018, however strong
leisure and group demand helped offset declines in corporate and conference Other, 7.5
activity. The BAR segment, a combination of FIT leisure and corporate demand
remained stable at 20.7 percent, whilst generating strong average rates at US$
213.34
Tours/Group,
4.8
Departmental profits were not immune from reductions with the rooms and food
Conference,
and beverage departments witnessing a 12.2 percent and 19.2 percent 4.9 Leisure, 29.1
reduction respectively. Overall departmental profit fell 13.7 percent to 54.8
percent.
MUSCAT - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenue increased 3.7 percentage
points to 40.2 percent, reflecting not only lower overall revenues but the limited 90.0
flexibility of the workforce in Oman driven by the Omanisation programs. 80.0 74.2
70.8
Higher payroll costs and an increase in admin and general, sales and 70.0
marketing, POMEC and energy costs contributed to a 26.5 percent drop in 60.0 54.8
GOPPAR to US$ 57.0 and a 6.0 percentage point decline in profit conversion 50.0
to 23.3 percent. 40.0 32.0 30.2
30.0
MARKET OUTLOOK
20.0
Hotel performance in Muscat is expected to see further pressure on 10.0
performance as the economic forecast remains muted. The main pressure on
0.0
performance will be driven by not only lower demand but also the entry of new Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
properties which will further increase the supply and demand imbalance.
Based on supply projections Muscat is expected to witness another 2,200 keys NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
enter the market in 2019 with the majority of new properties positioned as 2018 2017 %
upscale or higher. Admin & General 4.2% 3.5% -0.7
POMEC 2.7% 2.3% -0.4
Sales & Marketing 3.3% 3.0% -0.3
Energy Costs 3.9% 3.7% -0.2
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
EGYPT
CAIRO | SHARM EL SHEIKH
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
EGYPT - CAIRO
MARKET OVERVIEW HOTEL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
After years of political and civil unrest caused by the Arab Spring in 2011, 2018 2017 %
Cairo’s hotel market is witnessing greater stability, improved business Occ (%) 72.8 66.6 6.2
confidence and stronger hotel performance levels. ARR (US$) 90.1 86.2 4.5%
This is driven by various economic policy decisions which include floating the RevPAR (US$) 65.7 57.4 14.4%
Egyptian Pound, establishing new investment laws and incentives and internal TRevPAR (US$) 106.1 95.0 11.7%
reforms. The benefits of these changes are expected to continue to flow Payroll % 15.8 16.0 -0.2
throughout the economy with the IMF projecting economic growth of 5.5
GOPPAR (US$) 56.1 51.4 9.1%
percent in 2018.
GOP % 52.9 54.1 -1.2
PERFORMANCE
The renewed demand saw occupancy levels increase 6.2 percentage points to CAIRO - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
72.8 percent. The increase in visitors allowed hoteliers to yield a 4.5 percent BAR, 11.2
growth in ARR to US$ 90.1, closing in on the historical average of over US$ Other, 0.5 Corporate,
100 prior to the Arab Spring. 18.5
The corporate, conference and leisure segments generated the largest Tour/Group,
17.5
proportion of demand with 18.5, 18.8 and 33.5 percent respectively. Tours &
Groups demand increased 2.7 percentage points to 17.5 percent of total
demand highlighting the growing confidence in Egypt’ tourism market.
Rooms revenue remained the largest revenue generator at 61.8 percent of total
revenue, increasing 1.3 percentage points over 2017. F&B revenues per Leisure, 33.5
available room, on the other hand, increased 21.6 percent. Conference,
18.8
The growth in both rooms and F&B revenue resulted in an 11.7 percent
increase in TRevPAR to US$ 106.1.
CAIRO - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
Despite revenue figures remaining below historical averages, hoteliers were
able to generate healthy operational profits with rooms and F&B achieving profit 100.0
conversions of 86.4 percent and 38.3 percent respectively, whilst overall 90.0
86.4 86.4
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
With renewed confidence in Egypt’s tourism industry, wider economic reforms 2018 2017 %
and greater security measures enacted to protect tourists, international visitors Occ (%) 55.1 44.5 10.6
have started returning to the historically popular Red Sea destination. ARR (US$) 47.9 41.7 14.7%
The country has witnessed strong growth in visitor arrivals following the lifting RevPAR (US$) 26.4 18.6 42.0%
of travel bans from numerous European countries in 2017. This gave the TRevPAR (US$) 42.7 30.3 40.9%
destination a significant boost as tourists from Germany, Ukraine and the Arab Payroll % 24.2 26.7 -2.5
world returned.
GOPPAR (US$) 11.1 5.7 93.0%
PERFORMANCE GOP % 26.0 18.9 7.0
The growth in average rates allowed hoteliers to yield an 82.1 percent 70.0 62.2
department profit for rooms, however F&B and leisure departments recorded
below average performance with 19.9 and -22.9 percent profits. 50.0
With payroll costs decreasing 2.5 percentage points and key non-operating 30.0 19.9
costs decreasing, profits rose dramatically with profit margins increasing 7.0
10.0
percentage points to 26.0 percent of total revenue.
MARKET OUTLOOK -10.0 Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
An ease of travel bans and improved civil and political stability helped Sharm -30.0 -22.9
El Sheikh on the path of recovery in 2018. However, with bans still in place from
the UK and Russia, two of the largest source markets, and little indication on
when they will be lifted, Egypt is going to need to work hard to drive visitor NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
numbers back to historical averages. 2018 2017 %
Although performance levels have increased, profit margins remain tight, Admin & General 5.3% 7.1% 1.8
however we expect margins to increase as hoteliers start to improve yields on POMEC 5.4% 6.4% 1.0
the back of wider demand. Sales & Marketing 3.0% 3.2% 0.2
Energy Costs 11.7% 12.1% 0.4
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
LEVANT
AMMAN | BEIRUT
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
LEVANT - AMMAN
MARKET OVERVIEW HOTEL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Despite the ongoing conflicts and tension in the Levant and neighbouring 2018 2017 %
countries, Jordan’s appeal as a tourism destination has started to strengthen, Occ (%) 57.9 57.4 0.5
as the country witnessed growth in visitors from Europe, Asia and the Middle ARR (US$) 141.4 146.8 -3.7%
East. RevPAR (US$) 81.8 84.2 -2.9%
Although hotels recorded a marginal increase in occupancy levels in 2018, the TRevPAR (US$) 135.9 141.1 -3.7%
market was not able to strengthen their rate position resulting in lower RevPAR Payroll % 33.2 31.5 1.7
performance.
GOPPAR (US$) 31.1 38.7 -19.7%
PERFORMANCE GOP % 22.9 27.4 -4.6
Occupancy levels in Amman hotels stood at 57.9 percent in 2018, a 0.5 percent
increase over 2017. Average room rates in the Jordanian capital decreased by AMMAN - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
3.7 percent from the previous year to US$ 141.4, driving a 2.9 percent decrease
in rooms revenue with RevPAR falling to US$ 81.8.
Corporate,
BAR, 24.6 23.7
The BAR and corporate segments remained the key driver of demand in
Amman with 24.6 and 23.7 percent of room nights, respectively. This was
closely followed by the leisure and conference segments with 18.2 and 16.5
percent. Whilst the demand mix remained relatively stable throughout the year,
a number of segments experienced significant declines in rates. The corporate,
Other, 10.0
conference and leisure segments saw their rates decline 7.5, 4.2 and 3.2
percent respectively. Leisure, 18.2
Tour/Group,
6.9
Food and beverage revenues declined 6.0 percent during the year, driven by
weaker demand for conference and meeting facilities. Higher departmental Conference,
16.5
expenses and payroll drove department profit down 3.4 percentage points to
28.7 percent.
AMMAN - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
The rooms department remained the main revenue generator with 59.3 percent
of total revenue. However, lower RevPAR levels resulted in a 0.6 percentage 90.0
80.8
point drop in departmental profits to 80.8 percent. 80.0
70.0 66.6
61.6
The decline in TRevPAR and increases in payroll and overhead costs, notably
60.0
energy costs and administration and general expenses, resulted in a 19.7 50.9
50.0
percent decrease in GOPPAR to US$ 31.1, which in turn led to hotels in Amman
40.0
achieving GOP levels of 22.9 percent, a 4.6 percentage point drop compared 28.7
30.0
to the previous year.
20.0
MARKET OUTLOOK 10.0
The main challenge faced by hoteliers in Amman in recent years is the 0.0
perception of Jordan as an unsafe destination due to the political instability in Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
with a diverse range of leisure, cultural and medical tourism offerings. 2018 2017 %
We anticipate occupancy levels will remain stable, albeit lift marginally in 2019, Admin & General 5.0% 4.4% -0.6
however room rates are likely to remain under pressure as other competitive POMEC 3.5% 3.1% -0.4
regional destinations, such as Egypt, rebound with affordable and attractive Sales & Marketing 3.4% 3.1% -0.3
propositions. Energy Costs 10.8% 9.4% -1.4
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
LEVANT - BEIRUT
MARKET OVERVIEW HOTEL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
To maintain the growth in tourism activity experienced in 2016, the Lebanese 2018 2017 %
government launched the Visit Lebanon marketing campaign in May 2017, Occ (%) 68.9 68.9 0.0
aimed at driving long-term tourism growth. ARR (US$) 148.6 118.4 25.5%
This renewed international exposure resulted in a 5.7 percent increase in tourist RevPAR (US$) 102.4 81.5 25.6%
arrivals in 2018 to 1.96 million. European visitors remained the largest source TRevPAR (US$) 133.1 113.8 16.9%
market, growing 10.3 percent on 2017 figures, closely followed by neighbouring Payroll % 30.1 35.6 -5.5
Arab countries.
GOPPAR (US$) 50.8 29.0 75.2%
Consequently, four- and five-star hotels in Beirut recorded an increase in GOP % 38.2 25.5 12.7
leisure guests, although due to the crises in neighbouring countries, corporate
demand remained soft.
BEIRUT - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
PERFORMANCE
BAR, 30.8
Despite the increase in tourist arrivals, occupancy levels remained stable to a
healthy 68.9 percent. The stable demand provided hoteliers with the Corporate,
opportunity to yield stronger rooms revenue with ARR and RevPAR rising 25.5 20.8
Other, 2.2
percent and 25.6 percent respectively.
Beirut’s demand segmentation remained relatively balanced in 2018 with BAR
Tour/Group,
and leisure segments generating 30.8 and 23.0 percent respectively. The
7.8
corporate segment contributed 20.8 percent of demand.
Food and beverage revenues remained stagnant in 2018 with the city’s hotels
achieving mixed performance. Although F&B revenue per available room Conference,
Leisure, 23.0
15.4
increased 3.0 percent, higher operating costs and payroll resulted in an 8.7
percent decline in department profit to 12.8 percent.
BEIRUT - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
Although F&B revenues declined, the increase in rooms revenues drove a 16.9
percent growth in TRevPAR. The increase in topline revenues coupled with, 90.0 82.1
significant savings on payroll and overheads resulted in GOPPAR increasing 80.0
75.2 percent to US$ 50.8 while profit conversion increased 12.7 percentage 70.0
68.1
points to 38.2 percent of total revenue. 55.2
60.0
MARKET OUTLOOK 50.0
40.0
Although regional and domestic political instability has hampered Lebanon’s
tourism sector in recent years, the country is attracting a greater number of 30.0
international visitors which has boosted the performance of Beirut’s hotel 20.0 12.8
market. 10.0
0.0
With tourist arrivals projected to increase in 2019, hotels in Beirut will Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
experience stable if not growth in demand, however the main challenge will be
to strengthen average room rates over the next year.
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
With improved stability in the region and greater marketing and promotion to 2018 2017 %
international markets, Beirut hotels are likely to experience a continued Admin & General 3.7% 4.7% 1.0
increase in performance levels in 2019.
POMEC 2.6% 3.4% 0.8
Sales & Marketing 2.3% 3.0% 0.7
Energy Costs 6.3% 7.1% 0.8
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
REMAINDER OF GCC
KUWAIT | MANAMA
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
GCC - KUWAIT
MARKET OVERVIEW HOTEL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Despite having traditionally low occupancy levels, Kuwait was unable to break 2018 2017 %
the wider trend in demand levels as the overall market experienced a 1.7 Occ (%) 52.8 54.5 -1.7
percentage point decline to 52.8 percent. ARR (US$) 218.3 223.9 -2.5%
Kuwait’s government approved its forth consecutive budget deficit for the RevPAR (US$) 115.3 122.1 -5.5%
2018/2019 period, as the country continued to face challenges from low oil TRevPAR (US$) 222.5 232.8 -4.4%
prices. The deficit resulted in a number of large government projects being put Payroll % 29.1 27.0 2.1
on hold, impacting downstream industries. The lower direct and non-direct
GOPPAR (US$) 91.6 100.4 -8.8%
government activity resulted in demand from the corporate segment declining
GOP % 41.2 43.1 -2.0
during the year.
Historically Kuwait has been attracting large volumes of Saudi travellers,
particularly on weekends and holidays, due to its proximity to Saudi Arabia’s KUWAIT - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
eastern and northern provinces as well as its comparatively relaxed Other, 6.1
environment. However, with the social changes occurring in Saudi Arabia, Tour/Group, BAR, 20.9
particularly surrounding entertainment, demand from this segment remained 1.7
muted in 2018.
Conference,
PERFORMANCE 16.4
A 2.4 percent drop in F&B revenue compounded the decline in overall rooms
revenue, resulting in TRevPAR falling 4.4 percent to US$ 222.5.
KUWAIT - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
Kuwait’s hotels continued to achieve a strong rooms department profit of 81.7
percent, which was in line with 2017 levels. However, F&B operations 90.0 81.7
77.1
witnessed a 3.3 percent decline in profits per room whilst recording a marginal 80.0
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
GCC - MANAMA
MARKET OVERVIEW HOTEL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Kingdom of Bahrain attracted 10.3 million visitors in 2018, representing a 2018 2017 %
6.0 percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. This Occ (%) 49.9 52.8 -2.9
growth is also reflected by a 22.3 percent rise in guest nights to 9.8 million. ARR (US$) 191.1 194.6 -1.8%
Additionally, the opening of four new hotels in 2017 increased Manama’s hotel RevPAR (US$) 95.4 102.7 -7.1%
supply by 3.0 percent taking the overall room supply to 16,883 keys.
TRevPAR (US$) 181.6 196.4 -7.6%
Despite the growth in demand, Manama’s hotel market had a challenging year Payroll % 33.8 31.0 2.8
with a decline in all key performance indicators.
GOPPAR (US$) 48.7 57.1 -14.8%
PERFORMANCE GOP % 26.8 29.1 -2.3
Following a period of relative stability, Manama’s hotel market was not immune
to the regional economic challenges with falling demand from the corporate and MANAMA - HOTEL MARKET SEGMENTATION (%)
government sectors. Despite higher overall visitation, the reduced spending
power of regional and international visitors, resulted in a 1.8 percent decline in BAR, 28.9
ARR to US$ 191.1, which coupled with a 2.9 percentage point decline in Corporate,
occupancy levels, led to a 7.1 percent drop in RevPAR to US$ 95.4. 20.0
The BAR segment remained the key driver of demand accounting for 28.9
percent of room nights, albeit reducing 2.6 percentage points during the year. Other, 7.4
Demand from the leisure segment remained stable at 21.0 percent, however a
4.1 percent decline in average rates from the segment and a 5.7 percent decline
Tour/Group,
in corporate rates contributed to the overall reduction in rates. 4.0
Leisure, 21.0
As the majority of the demand for meeting and conference facilities is generated
by the public sector, the continued decline in oil prices has constrained Conference,
18.8
government spending on the events and conference market. This decline in
demand is reflected by a 6.7 percent drop in conference and banqueting
MANAMA - DEPARTMENT PROFIT (%)
revenue and an 4.3 percent drop in F&B revenue, resulting in a 6.7 percent
lower total revenue compared to 2016. 90.0
76.6 74.0
Hotels in Bahrain generally achieve lower GOP levels when compared to 80.0
Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah. The decline in revenue, compounded with an 70.0
61.0
increase in non-payroll operating costs, resulted in a 14.8 percent drop in 60.0 55.6
GOPPAR to US$ 48.7 and a 2.3 percentage point decline in profit margin to 50.0
26.8 percent of total revenue. 40.0
28.6
30.0
MARKET OUTLOOK
20.0
There are numerous tourism and mixed-use projects under development which 10.0
are projected to give further impetus to the development of the Bahraini tourism
0.0
market. Additionally, the public sector has made significant investments in Rooms F&B Leisure MOD Dept Profit
infrastructure projects in order to increase the accessibility to Bahrain. These
projects include the expansion of Bahrain’s International Airport and King Fahd
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
Causeways.
2018 2017 %
However, Bahrain is expecting a significant increase in supply over the next Admin & General 3.3% 2.9% -0.4
three years which will place further pressure on existing performance levels.
POMEC 3.5% 3.2% -0.3
Furthermore, the recent changes in society in Saudi Arabia could have an
Sales & Marketing 3.7% 3.5% -0.2
impact on demand as Saudis choose to stay in the Kingdom rather than travel
across the causeway to Bahrain. Energy Costs 8.3% 7.6% -0.7
www.trimideast.com
THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL MARKET REVIEW 2019
TRI is one of the region’s leading management consultancy firms specialising in the fields of hotels, tourism, leisure and real estate. The
company was established in 1995, founding the first dedicated hospitality advisory team in the region.
In the intervening decades, TRI has gained extensive experience in over 50 countries including the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.
Christopher Hewett
M: +971 (0)50 345 5047
christopher@trimideast.com
Philippe Vercruysse
M: +971 (0)54 533 9315
philippe@trimideast.com
Kishore Pulibandla
M: +971 (0)50 107 8425
kishore@trimideast.com
Yani Eftimov
M: +971 (0)50 581 0504
yani@trimideast.com
www.trimideast.com