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.
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.
Sustainable tourism gains momentum in the Middle East
Multidisciplinary tourism professional Naiara Lopez Giner, Colliers’ associate manager of Tourism Advisory Lead Hospitality & Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, dives into the region’s booming tourism sector and provides an overview of the ambitious visions and objectives driving sustainable initiatives for a responsible and eco-conscious future.
Qatar simplifies its tourist visa procedures with revamped Hayya Platform
Qatar Tourism has revamped its Hayya Platform, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offering.
Why Nikkei cuisine is making waves in the MENA region
According to Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, Nikkei cuisine is dominating the international food scene. Here, he explains its rising popularity, especially in the MENA region.
International travel: what to expect in 2023
The pandemic taught us that nothing should be taken for granted. And, with most countries having now lifted all Covid-19-related restrictions, the vast majority of people are keen to once again make travel an important part of their lives, albeit in a year of no-normal, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema consulting services, explains.
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.