Tuesday, July 8, 2025
The Rise of Integrated Resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific
A new era in tourism is taking shape across the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, largely driven by the launch of transformative integrated resorts like Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah and Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams in Sri Lanka. These developments are blending high-end luxury with top-tier entertainment, alongside rich cultural experiences, creating holistic travel destinations unlike anything the regions have seen before.
Major Milestones for the Region’s Tourism Landscape
Scheduled to open in 2027, the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island is poised to reshape tourism in Ras Al Khaimah and the broader UAE. This new resort will signal a shift towards more diverse and immersive tourism offerings, which integrate local culture and entertainment, marking a departure from the traditional, single-purpose tourism hubs of the past.
Likewise, Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams in Sri Lanka is raising the bar by introducing regulated gaming as a key element of its expansive resort. This shift towards regulated gaming signals an important move for the Sri Lankan tourism sector, contributing to the growing trend of large-scale, multi-faceted resorts in Asia.
Experts in the field predict that the UAE’s gaming sector could generate between $3 billion and $5 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) thanks to the surge in integrated resorts. With the introduction of Wynn Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah expects to see a significant increase in tourism, aiming to attract around 3.5 million overnight visitors by 2030, which would simultaneously create numerous new jobs and bolster the emirate’s economy.
Shaping the Future of Tourism: Key Insights from Industry Experts
At the 2025 Arabian Travel Market (ATM), various leaders from the hospitality, research, and technology sectors convened to discuss how these integrated resorts will redefine the regional tourism scene. Industry experts, including Judith Cartwright, Darren Bishop, and Edward Batrouni, highlighted that the expansion of integrated resorts is attracting visitors from major source markets such as India, China, the GCC, and Europe.
One central theme emerging from the discussions was that while gaming can offer an exciting and profitable dimension to the resort experience, it should not dominate the entire visitor journey. Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO of Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall at City of Dreams, emphasized the importance of creating an authentic “sense of place.” He argued that the success of an integrated resort depends largely on how well it connects with the local culture and environment. The casino, while significant, should not be the focal point. Rather, he suggested that it is the surrounding Sri Lankan culture, storytelling, and rich traditions that should define the overall guest experience.
The Role of Art, Wellness, and Local Culture
Throughout the session, industry leaders reiterated that a successful integrated resort must deliver a combination of experiences—art, music, fine dining, wellness, and local culture. Gaming, while an appealing component for many, is just one element in a much broader cultural and entertainment offering that shapes the identity of these resorts.
According to Danielle Curtis, the Exhibition Director for ATM, the discussion at this year’s event reflected a growing shift in how resorts are conceptualized. “It’s not about gaming in isolation; it’s about creating a meaningful connection to the destination. We’re seeing these resorts evolve into cultural hubs that transcend traditional tourism. They’re becoming national assets that drive new revenue streams and create multi-generational travel experiences,” Curtis explained.
A Collaborative Approach to Success
The City of Dreams project in Sri Lanka has benefited greatly from new regulatory frameworks that have made it possible to introduce gaming in a way that aligns with local laws and cultural values. Local community involvement and strong government collaboration have been vital to ensuring the resort’s success thus far. This model could serve as a blueprint for other regions in the Asia Pacific where integrated resorts are being introduced.
In the UAE, the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023 was a major milestone. The regulatory body’s role is to oversee the entire gaming sector, ensuring that it is governed by strict, sustainable regulations that encourage long-term growth while prioritizing responsible gaming. This initiative is positioning the UAE as a key destination for innovation in the tourism and hospitality sector, combining cutting-edge technology, personalized services, and responsible gaming measures to create an attractive, sustainable model for integrated resorts.
Gaming’s Impact on the Luxury Travel Market
Research conducted during the ATM session revealed that although gaming may not be the most important factor for every visitor, it holds particular appeal for older, affluent travelers who are seeking high-adrenaline experiences. Furthermore, the presence of luxury amenities and gaming options has been shown to increase overall visitor spending. Some resort models around the world have reported revenue boosts of up to 30% due to the synergy between luxury and gaming experiences.
Integrated resorts are also increasingly appealing to key feeder markets like India, Saudi Arabia, and the expatriate community in the UAE, along with European travelers who are searching for unique, bespoke experiences. This growing interest from high-spending tourists is expected to be a driving force that reshapes the global tourism market.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourism and Travel Events
The next edition of Arabian Travel Market will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 4-7, 2026. The 2025 event saw over 55,000 professionals from 166 countries in attendance, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year. With more than 2,800 exhibitors participating, ATM remains a premier platform for discussing trends and innovations in the global tourism sector, attracting key decision-makers and industry leaders worldwide.
Transforming the Tourism Sector
The introduction of integrated resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific is undoubtedly set to redefine the tourism landscape. These developments are not just about luxury accommodation and gaming; they are about crafting memorable experiences rooted in culture, art, and local heritage. With the region’s growing appeal to high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational travelers, these resorts are helping shape the future of global tourism.
As Ras Al Khaimah and Sri Lanka pave the way for this new wave of integrated resorts, it’s clear that the tourism sector in both the Middle East and Asia Pacific will experience sustained growth. With an increasing focus on culturally rich, immersive experiences that go beyond gaming, these resorts are redefining the global hospitality industry, establishing a fresh paradigm for future developments worldwide.
Tags: Arabian Travel Market, asia pacific, hospitality sector, India, mena region, Middle East, Ras Al Khaimah, saudi arabia, Sri Lanka, tourism event, travel and tourism, UAE, WTM Africa, WTM Latin America, WTM London, Wynn Al Marjan Island
