The emergence of integrated resorts in the Middle East and APAC is redefining global tourism by blending luxury, culture, and entertainment into immersive destination experiences. Experts shared these insights during a major panel session at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025.
The upcoming launch of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, scheduled for 2027, and the new casino opening at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams in Sri Lanka, were spotlighted as key developments.
These projects signal a strategic shift in tourism — from single-attraction destinations to holistic resort experiences.
According to industry projections, the UAE could generate annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) of between $3 billion and $5 billion, with Ras Al Khaimah targeting 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, alongside significant job creation.
Panelists including Judith Cartwright of Black Coral Consulting, Darren Bishop of Heart+Mind Strategies, Edward Batrouni of Zenitech, and Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO of Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall, emphasized that integrated resorts go beyond gaming.
“A sense of place is critical,” said Hulugalle. “You’ve got to tap into the destination — the culture, the soul — not just say: I’ve got a casino.”
Speakers stressed that the real success of integrated resorts lies in combining art, music, food, wellness, and local storytelling to craft unforgettable guest experiences.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at ATM, remarked: “It’s not just about gaming, but building cultural connections and unlocking national value through tourism.”
In Sri Lanka, community collaboration and regulatory reforms have underpinned the City of Dreams’ progress. Similarly, the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), established in 2023, is ensuring structured, responsible gaming as part of the broader hospitality sector.
Data presented at the event indicated that while gaming is not a top priority for most travellers, its association with luxury boosts spending — with up to 30% revenue uplifts in similar global models. This trend is especially strong among affluent and older demographics.
Arabian Travel Market will return from 4–7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 2025 edition welcomed over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, with 2,800+ exhibiting companies, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.
