Accor CEO Sebastien Bazin discussed the hotel group’s extensive portfolio of 47 brands and plans to continue expanding at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai. He emphasized that in the age of technology, customers have the tools to discover all brands and that it is crucial for each brand to be unique and relevant. Bazin also mentioned that China and India are expected to be the largest markets for global growth in the medium and long term.
G Adventures introduced a new brand called “Solo-ish Adventures” targeting solo travelers who are interested in group tours to connect with others. These trips will last around 12 days and will feature activities like cooking classes and food walking tours to encourage interaction among travelers. Currently, 12 destinations are available for Solo-ish Adventures and G Adventures plans to expand to 60 destinations in the next two years, catering to travelers who prefer not to wait for others to book a trip or feel like a “third wheel” on group tours.
Morocco is concerned about overtourism as they prepare to co-host soccer’s World Cup in 2030, expecting a significant increase in tourists to 26 million, almost double the number from 2023. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor emphasized promoting and investing in experiences over accommodation to attract visitors to destinations outside major cities in Morocco. This strategy aims to distribute tourists more evenly throughout the country and alleviate pressures of overtourism during large events like the World Cup.
Accor’s focus on expanding its brand portfolio aligns with the company’s vision of providing unique and relevant options for customers in a technology-driven age. With plans to continue growth in China and India, Accor aims to capture the rapidly expanding travel markets in these regions. G Adventures’ launch of the Solo-ish Adventures brand caters to the growing trend of solo travel by providing opportunities for solo travelers to connect with others on group tours, fostering a sense of community and reducing potential feelings of isolation or third wheel syndrome.
As the tourism industry braces for the potential impacts of overtourism during major events like the World Cup, countries like Morocco are taking proactive measures to promote experiences and attractions beyond major cities. By investing in promoting lesser-known destinations and focusing on experiences rather than traditional accommodations, Morocco aims to distribute tourism more evenly throughout the country and provide visitors with unique and memorable experiences. This approach aligns with a broader trend within the industry towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
