Ahmed Madkor, senior key account manager of TripAdvisor, discusses its place in the travel equation, the travel trends and its cultural adaptation to the Middle East.
What sets TripAdvisor apart from other travel platforms?
TripAdvisor focuses on high-quality, detailed reviews and its extensive global reach. Furthermore, it offers comprehensive, long-form reviews that help travelers make informed decisions.
Unlike platforms that cover a wide range of services, TripAdvisor is dedicated solely to travel, providing a specialized resource for travelers. Additionally, its content API allows businesses to integrate over 1 billion reviews and contributions into their websites. Thus, it enhances brand credibility and user experience. Consequently, these elements make TripAdvisor the preferred choice for travelers seeking detailed and trustworthy travel information.
What trends do you see shaping the future of the online booking industry?
The online booking industry is evolving with shifting traveler expectations and technological advancements. Travel demand remains strong, with 80 percent of travelers planning trips during the summer months of 20241. This indicates a continued robust interest in travel, with many travelers eager to explore both new and familiar destinations.
As mobile usage grows, mobile-friendly experiences are essential, with optimized websites playing a crucial role in capturing bookings. Emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and virtual assistants are enhancing personalization and efficiency in travel planning. Meanwhile, sustainability and authentic local experiences are shaping travelers’ choices, influencing accommodations and activities.
Adapting to these trends is essential for staying competitive in the online booking industry.
How does TripAdvisor adapt its platform and services to address the unique preferences and cultural nuances of Middle Eastern travelers?
TripAdvisor adapts its platform to meet the unique preferences and cultural nuances of Middle Eastern travelers using several strategies. First, the company prioritizes localized content by launching an Arabic-language website, making reviews and ratings more accessible. Additionally, TripAdvisor collaborates with local businesses to ensure content aligns with the region’s cultural expectations, enhancing relevance.
Moreover, TripAdvisor focuses on emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, where tourism is growing. For instance, Egypt saw the highest international traffic in the Middle East on TripAdvisor . This was driven by its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
Furthermore, Dubai earned a spot on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Destinations list for the third consecutive year in 2025. This recognition highlights the city’s continued global appeal and draws attention to its vibrant tourism sector.
Finally, TripAdvisor is adapting to shifting trends, emphasizing experiences centered on wellness and cultural immersion, which resonate with Middle Eastern travelers.
These strategies enable TripAdvisor to effectively meet the evolving needs and cultural nuances of Middle Eastern travelers, improving their experience on the platform.
As luxury and experiential travel in the Middle East gains momentum, how does TripAdvisor cater to this segment?
TripAdvisor provides various tools to boost the visibility and appeal of high-end properties, enhancing their online presence significantly. Moreover, luxury hotels and resorts can use TripAdvisor’s Business Advantage, optimizing their presence with promotional videos and engaging storyboards. Consequently, this allows properties to effectively showcase their unique experiences and luxurious amenities to potential guests. Furthermore, favorite reviews and special offers help highlight positive guest experiences while attracting travelers through exclusive deals and promotions.
In addition, direct links and contact information simplify the booking process, allowing travelers to book directly with the property. This strengthens the relationship between the property and guests, fostering loyalty. Moreover, TripAdvisor’s platform, being one of the world’s most trusted sources for high-quality reviews, is crucial for luxury travel planning. Consequently, these features help luxury properties in the Middle East effectively engage with travelers seeking exclusive and unforgettable experiences.
How do you see the role of TripAdvisor evolving over the next decade?
It’s difficult to predict the future of the travel industry, given how rapidly technology has advanced in recent years. However, TripAdvisor will continue focusing on delivering world-class, personalized guidance through AI and other emerging technologies. These innovations will help make travel planning more intuitive and tailored to individual preferences, enhancing the user experience.
Moreover, the platform will optimize the mobile experience, ensuring seamless planning and booking processes for travelers on the go.
In the future, we can expect a rise in local and authentic experiences designed to cater to travelers seeking cultural immersion. Additionally, TripAdvisor will foster further community engagement, enabling travelers to connect and share their unique experiences with others.
