Tuesday, July 8, 2025

The development of integrated resorts throughout Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East is reshaping the global hospitality market by integrating luxury, entertainment, and culture to create destination experiences. Commentators at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) noted that these resorts have become a cornerstone of new-generation tourism by offering diverse experiences and attracting global visitors.

Amongst the most anticipated openings is Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah, opening in 2027. This is a landmark development for the territory, signifying a broader trend toward diverse tourism products beyond typical hotel stays. Another significant development is the upcoming casino in Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka, signifying a continued trend toward licensed gaming as part of integrated resort products.

Experts believe that gross gaming revenues (GGR) may reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion annually, aided by the flow of integrated resorts. Both Wynn Al Marjan Island, soon to open, and its boost to tourism growth will considerably contribute to boosting the region’s tourism growth. Ras Al Khaimah, under its 2030 plan, aims to receive 3.5 million overnight visitors by 2030. This new development will create thousands of new jobs in the emirate, boosting its economy further.

During Arabian Travel Market 2025, a panel discussion featuring research, technology, and hospitality experts such as Judith Cartwright of Black Coral Consulting, Darren Bishop of Heart+Mind Strategies, and Edward Batrouni of Zenitech delved into how integrated resorts are changing travel’s image and creating demand from key markets such as India, China, GCC, and Europe.

Sanjiv Hulugalle, chief executive of City of Dreams development’s Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall in Sri Lanka, talked about creating a sense of place as a component central to integrated resorts. Hulugalle emphasized that whereas casinos are part of the offering, creating a successful resort is more a question of connecting the resort and its host destination. Hulugalle indicated that by making the casino so central, you miss out on creating that sense of experience and cultural richness that a development like this ought to have.

The panelists agreed that while gaming is a new and thrilling addition, it’s the combination of art, music, culinary, wellness, and local stories that makes guest experience rich. Gaming, as they noted, is just a component of a much bigger palette of cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences that define integrated resorts’ success.

Also commenting was Danielle Curtis, Middle East Exhibition Director of Arabian Travel Market, who noted a similar sentiment. She noted the evolution of the industry, in that integrated resorts no longer revolve around gaming but creating one-of-a-kind, impactful experiences that entail soaking in and absorbing local culture. Curtis’ take was that these developments are becoming national attractions that have new revenue streams and cater to multi-generational visitors seeking different and immersive experiences.

For destinations like Sri Lanka, where gaming has been introduced under a new regulatory framework, community support and collaboration with local governments have been essential to the success of developments like City of Dreams. The integration of responsible gaming measures, local cultural elements, and government partnerships has contributed to the successful development of the project to date.

Similarly, in the UAE, the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023 has helped create a robust regulatory environment for the gaming industry. This regulatory body oversees commercial gaming operations, ensuring that the industry remains sustainable and operates within clear guidelines. The UAE’s pioneering steps into the integrated resort space are positioning it as a regional tourism hub, with advanced technology, personalized services, and responsible gaming protocols playing a crucial role in its growth.

Research shared during the session revealed that while gaming is often not a priority for all visitors, it plays an important role in attracting affluent, older audiences. Gaming has become a significant revenue contributor to integrated resorts, with resorts globally seeing a 30% increase in visitor spending when gaming is included in the offering. This finding underscores the importance of gaming as a revenue stream, even though it may not be the primary draw for all travelers.

The rise of integrated resorts has also been fueled by the growing interest in luxury and bespoke experiences. Key feeder markets, including India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, are showing strong interest in these high-end resorts, and European travelers are seeking more personalized and luxurious experiences. These resorts are well-positioned to reshape the tourism landscape in the MENA region, offering a unique combination of luxury accommodations, cultural immersion, and entertainment options that cater to diverse traveler preferences.

The future of tourism in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions looks bright, with integrated resorts playing an increasingly central role in shaping the landscape. The emphasis on blending local culture, luxury, and entertainment is redefining how travelers perceive destinations. Instead of just being places to stay, these resorts are becoming vibrant cultural hubs that offer a comprehensive experience that appeals to all generations.

As the industry continues to grow, destinations across the region are focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and personalization. The trend toward integrated resorts reflects a broader shift in global tourism, where travelers are looking for more than just a place to stay—they want an experience that combines the best of local culture, high-end amenities, and engaging entertainment. The developments underway in the UAE, Sri Lanka, and beyond are setting the stage for a new era of tourism, where integrated resorts serve as gateways to immersive travel experiences that resonate with modern visitors.

As demand for integrated resorts continues, the industry will need to respond to shifting expectations from the new generation of travelers. This requires offering a wider range of experiences, such as wellness and cultural experiences and culinary experiences and entertainment. Technology will also have a significant role to play as online solutions allow travelers to customize their experience and maximize their stay.

For Sri Lanka, as well as for others like the UAE and other new markets, integrated resorts are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive economic growth, generate jobs, and become leaders in the global travel and tourism industry. While taking advantage of their heritage, offering diverse experiences, and aiming for luxury and personalized service, these markets are pioneering their way toward becoming globally-recognized hubs for enriching travel experiences.

Integration resort developments around Asia Pacific and the Middle East are redefining the travel landscape by combining luxury, culture, and entertainment in new and exciting ways. As new markets such as Sri Lanka’s City of Dreams and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE pioneer a new future for travel, experiential, multi-layered experiences are increasingly in demand. Focused on local heritage, sustainability, and responsible gaming, these resorts are creating a new future for tourism, creating lifelong memories for guests and economic returns for their jurisdictions.