Medical tourism in the Middle East: the prognosis is good
The region is well placed to tap into the booming medical and wellness tourism segments, according to Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, although a formalized strategic approach is needed to support sustainable sectoral growth.
Bright outlook for GCC hotel industry
Having cemented its status as a global tourist destination, the region is well placed to attract new investment for the industry, following a swift post-pandemic rebound marked by impressive visitor numbers, huge project pipelines and the introduction of business-friendly initiatives, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
Navigating the Middle East’s skies with Kashif Khalid
We caught up with Kashif Khalid, IATA’s regional director for the Middle East and Africa, to discuss everything related to travel.
A bright new era for regional tourism
The Middle East’s hospitality sector is currently witnessing a remarkable upsurge, with significant growth and extensive development under way in travel, tourism and hotel construction. This expansion has been propelled by several factors, including ambitious infrastructure projects, strategic investments and a sharpened focus among key players on developing the sector.
Pulse check Egypt
As the Ukraine war is dragging on into another year, so are the economic troubles of Egypt, highly dependent on imports of wheat and all types of non-food commodities. The Egyptian treasury market was also badly hit, as investors withdrew billions of dollars. The Central Bank could not prevent inflation from reaching an annual surge of 33.9 percent in March, with the Egyptian pound plunging to unprecedented levels. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains the country’s current state and forecasts its future.
Four tech trends that are shaping the new travel era
With travel worldwide in the midst of a resurge following more than two years of global uncertainty, travelers have understandably developed high expectations for their long-awaited trips. Joy Ghosh, head of commercial, hospitality, Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Amadeus, explains how tech innovations are enhancing the travel experience in 2023.
Leveraging AI to reach travelers
With leisure travel returning to pre-pandemic levels, travel and hospitality companies are looking for ways to reach travelers through personalized summer campaigns using AI-powered programmatic advertising. Tech, marketing and digital strategy expert Terry Kane, managing director ME and Africa of Trade Desk, tells us more.
Sustainability defines Middle East’s luxury travel sector
Sustainability is becoming an important consideration within the Middle East’s luxury travel sector, especially in the UAE, where 61 percent of residents are willing to pay a premium for more responsible, eco-friendly and sustainable tourism experiences.
Is F&B outsourcing on its way out?
Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, charts the growing trend among hotel owners to take back their F&B offering inhouse and highlights the benefits of doing so, which include regaining control in key areas and opportunities to increase profits.
Why budget lifestyle hotels are breaking the mold
With travelers seeking out better lodging experiences and affordable deals, cheap, chic offerings are proving to be the new industry disruptors, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains.