Thursday, 03 Apr 2025

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, and Indonesia Fuel Bleisure Travel Boom with New Convention Centres and Luxury Hotels

In recent years, bleisure travel, the fusion of business and leisure, has emerged as one of the most dynamic trends in the global tourism industry. With the increasing number of international conferences, business meetings, and corporate events, many countries are capitalizing on this emerging market by enhancing their infrastructure with state-of-the-art convention centres and luxurious hotels. The Middle East and Southeast Asia, in particular, have become focal points for this trend, attracting business travelers who are eager to extend their work trips into relaxing vacations. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, and Indonesia are making substantial investments in tourism infrastructure to accommodate and encourage bleisure travel.


Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, and Indonesia Fuel Bleisure Travel Boom with New Convention Centres and Luxury Hotels
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In recent years, bleisure travel, the fusion of business and leisure, has emerged as one of the most dynamic trends in the global tourism industry. With the increasing number of international conferences, business meetings, and corporate events, many countries are capitalizing on this emerging market by enhancing their infrastructure with state-of-the-art convention centres and luxurious hotels. The Middle East and Southeast Asia, in particular, have become focal points for this trend, attracting business travelers who are eager to extend their work trips into relaxing vacations. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, and Indonesia are making substantial investments in tourism infrastructure to accommodate and encourage bleisure travel.

This report delves into how these countries are harnessing the power of new convention centres, luxury hotel developments, and unparalleled business facilities to position themselves as global leaders in the booming bleisure tourism market.

Bleisure travel refers to the growing trend where business travelers extend their work trips for leisure purposes, taking advantage of their time in a new city or country to explore its culture, attractions, and natural beauty. This type of travel has grown exponentially due to several factors, including increased connectivity, shorter workweeks, and the desire for more enriching travel experiences.

The rise of bleisure is driven by the changing expectations of modern professionals who seek a balance between work and personal well-being. With longer working hours and the demands of global business, more travelers are looking for ways to make their business trips more rewarding. As a result, many destinations are adjusting their strategies to meet this demand by offering top-tier facilities that cater to both business needs and leisure desires.

Saudi Arabia, traditionally known for its oil wealth and historical significance, has been ramping up its investments in tourism infrastructure, particularly targeting business travelers. As part of the Vision 2030 initiative, the kingdom is aiming to diversify its economy, and tourism is a key sector. The development of luxury hotels, convention centres, and world-class meeting facilities has positioned Saudi Arabia as a competitive player in the global bleisure market.

The opening of the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Jeddah is just one example of the country's commitment to enhancing bleisure travel. The state-of-the-art venue is designed to host major international business conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, attracting professionals from around the world. The Kingdom is also developing new hotels, such as the luxurious Red Sea Project resort, which combines high-end business amenities with stunning leisure attractions, allowing visitors to enjoy both work and play.

The UAE has long been a popular destination for business travelers, thanks to its cosmopolitan cities, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. Dubai, in particular, has established itself as one of the premier global hubs for conferences, exhibitions, and business meetings. The rise of bleisure travel in the UAE has been accelerated by the country's investment in new convention centres and luxury hotels that cater to both business and leisure needs.

The Dubai World Trade Centre, the largest convention and exhibition venue in the region, continues to host some of the biggest business events globally, from the World Expo to international trade fairs and corporate summits. Coupled with Dubai's array of luxury hotels like the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm, which offer business facilities and a wealth of leisure options, the city is an ideal destination for bleisure travelers.

In addition to its iconic skyline and luxury offerings, the UAE has also focused on diversifying its tourism portfolio by promoting cultural and leisure experiences such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Museum of the Future. These attractions make the UAE an ideal location for professionals looking to unwind after a day of business meetings.

Qatar is quickly establishing itself as another powerhouse in bleisure tourism. With the opening of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and new luxury hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Doha, the country is attracting business travelers from across the globe. The state-of-the-art QNCC is a stunning venue that hosts international conferences, summits, and exhibitions, while providing luxury accommodations and leisure experiences within reach.

Morocco has long been a popular destination for cultural tourism, with its beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and rich heritage. However, in recent years, the country has been focusing on expanding its business tourism sector by building new convention centres and luxury hotels. The Marrakech International Conference Centre, for instance, is quickly becoming a leading venue for international business events.

Indonesia, with its vibrant economy and booming tourism sector, is also capitalizing on the bleisure trend. Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta are becoming increasingly popular for both business events and leisure activities. The opening of new luxury hotels and convention centres, including the Jakarta Convention Centre, is helping to establish Indonesia as a key destination for bleisure travelers in Southeast Asia.

The growing trend of bleisure travel in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, and Indonesia is reshaping the global tourism landscape, and countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia are at the forefront of this shift. With new investments in state-of-the-art convention centres, luxurious hotels, and top-tier business facilities, these destinations are positioning themselves as prime locations for business travelers seeking a combination of work and leisure. As the trend continues to grow in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are set to dominate the bleisure tourism market, offering unmatched experiences for global professionals.

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