A new collaborative report from PwC Middle East and global travel intelligence platform Mabrian Technologies shows how visitor preferences across the Gulf Region are currently undergoing a fundamental shift.
The report titled Stay Play Shop: Shaping Integrated Destinations for Connected Visitor Experiences revealed that visitors to the Gulf Region are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer cultural meaning and emotional resonance.
Stay Play Shop also presents a clear approach for destination development companies, tourism authorities, destination managers and operators across the Gulf Cooperation Council to accelerate the evolution of destination strategies.
Indeed, it advocates a shift away from static, asset-led development towards dynamic, visitor-centric ecosystems that drive longer stays, deeper engagement and increased economic impact.
A practical framework for development
The report provides a practical framework for development companies, tourism entities, destination managers, operators and other stakeholders to shape connected, experience-led destinations.
By moving beyond traditional planning approaches and promoting the integration of accommodation, events, retail and entertainment into a cohesive visitor journey.
Ultimately, this framework aims to support the development of destinations where visitors enjoy a fluid and enriching experience throughout their entire journey.
According to PwC Middle East destinations consulting lead partner Nicolas Mayer: “Stay Play Shop is more than a slogan: it is a robust framework backed by visitor insights and evolving needs offering development companies a strategic framework to drive visitation spending and loyalty.”
PwC Middle East destinations consulting partner Philippe Najar added: “By embracing the Stay Play Shop model, leaders can shape not just where people go but how deeply they connect and experience places. This goes beyond destination development to crafting generational legacies that fuel cultural pride, visitor loyalty and sustained economic return.”
For her part, Mabrian Technologies advisory vice-president Sonia Huerta declared: “Public-private partnerships among Destination Management Office, hoteliers, Destination Management Companies, retailers and operators will be a key enabler of the Stay Play Shop model. Equally important is the ability to gauge sentiment and satisfaction across this journey to measure success. This region stands to gain exponentially from enhancements in these metrics making the value delivered even more impactful.”
