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.
On the up: mapping out east Africa’s potential
It’s true that East Africa’s travel, tourism and hospitality sectors have experienced numerous ups and downs in recent years. However, there are positive signs of growth, as Thuku Kimani, manager of hotels MENA at Colliers International, points out.
Behind the scenes: Baghdad’s hospitality potential
After years of conflict, Iraq is beginning to finally find its feet. Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, investigates how the country’s hospitality sector is shaping up and why the capital is proving appealing to F&B brands.
UAE country report: the great rebound
While most countries are back to pre-pandemic growth after two years of economic turmoil, the United Arab Emirates is reaping the rewards of its early vaccination efforts and measures to support hard-hit sectors. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, paints a promising picture of the Emirates’ growth path and the exciting new development in its hospitality offering.
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.