OPINION: The evolution of Saudi Arabia by Dagmar Symes
Dagmar Symes, the GM of Hill Robinson Project Management shares her views on the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
Talking tourism in Lebanon with H.E. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism
While Lebanon’s economic and political woes have been well publicized, its rich hospitality offering has managed to navigate even the most challenging waters. We spoke with Minister of Tourism for Lebanon, H.E. Walid Nassar, to hear what the ministry has accomplished in 2022 and what’s on the horizon for the small Mediterranean country.
What does post-pandemic travel look like?
After several years of record lows and disruption, 2022 has marked the dawn of a new era for global tourism and hospitality. But even that does not come without its challenges, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
How major sporting events are spurring growth in the GCC
Over the past decade, the GCC region has transformed from a business destination to an experiential one, evidenced by an increase in international arrivals, private investments and government visions, initiatives and developments. Hala Matar Choufany, president for HVS Middle East, Africa and South Asia, and managing partner of HVS Dubai, outlines the market developments and what’s on the horizon.
Forecasting 2023 with 11 hospitality experts
As 2022 draws to a close, 11 hospitality contributors unpack the past and share their predictions for the coming year. Here’s what they said…
Five sustainable trends to look out for in the Middle East’s travel sector
According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism-related activities account for approximately 8 percent of worldwide carbon emissions. Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME of Arabian Travel Market, highlights five sustainable trends that have already gained significant momentum in the Middle East and look set to play a critical role in the industry’s ongoing journey to decarbonize.
A life of luxury
Offering one-of-a-kind experiences to meet the needs of today’s uber-demanding travelers has become the new definition of luxury in hospitality, as Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International, points out.
Phocuswright forecasts a boom in the global tours, activities and attractions industry
According to Phocuswright’s joint travel research report with Arival — The Outlook for Travel Experiences 2019-2025 — travel experiences represented USD 253 billion in global gross ticket revenue in 2019, making it the third-largest sector of tourism after transportation and accommodation. Tours, activities and attractions (TAA) was the hardest-hit area of travel during the pandemic but has bounced back largely due to shifts in traveler behavior. Post-pandemic changes in shopping and booking behavior have fueled the growth of the TAA industry.
Pulse check Saudi Arabia
With Saudi Arabia’s development pipeline looking stronger than ever, Nada Alameddine, partner at Hodema consulting services, guides us through the list of upcoming megaprojects and what they will bring to the kingdom’s hospitality scene.