Cheap holidays could save the Middle East
26 October 2001 by David Harris
Bargain holiday seekers will keep the Middle East hotel market alive, according to hotel consultancy HVS International.
Gerard Greene, senior associate at HVS and author of its Middle East Hotels Trends and Opportunities 2001 report, said the Middle Eastern market was bound to see falling occupancies and room rates as a result of the 11 September attacks, but bargain hunters looking for a cheap, glamorous and hot winter holiday would continue to visit the area.
"Next year will be tough," he said. "But there will always be demand if it's cheap enough."
Even before the attacks - when the report was compiled - Middle East hotels were facing trouble, said Greene.
