Skift Global Forum East is returning to Dubai this November, bringing together CEOs, industry pioneers, and innovators shaping the future of travel in the Middle East. The focus of this year’s forum is on the future of global travel through the lens of technology, market dynamics, and transformative experiences. With a lineup of speakers from the region and beyond, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the travel industry in the Middle East.
One of the key trends that will be explored at the forum is the growing influence of Asian travelers on the global tourism market. With China and India emerging as top tourism source markets, destinations worldwide are seeing a surge in demand from these countries. Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai and Riyadh are rethinking their marketing and hospitality strategies to cater to the preferences of Asian travelers, who have different expectations compared to traditional Western tourists. The forum will delve into the tailored approaches that hospitality providers in the region are adopting to attract and accommodate these visitors.
Experiential travel is on the rise as travelers increasingly seek immersive and unique experiences. The Middle East, with its rich culture and history, is well-positioned to meet this demand by offering curated experiences that highlight heritage, adventure, and luxury. Countries like Dubai and Saudi Arabia are investing in developing tailored experiences that resonate with younger travelers who value personalized and authentic travel experiences. The forum will showcase some of the innovative approaches that Middle Eastern destinations are taking to cater to this evolving trend in travel.
Air connectivity plays a vital role in driving tourism growth in the Middle East, and the region is making concerted efforts to enhance its connectivity to meet ambitious tourism targets. Increased flight routes and strategic partnerships between airlines and governments are helping destinations capitalize on the outbound travel boom. Sessions at the forum will explore the importance of air connectivity and how partnerships between airlines and governments are essential for boosting tourism in the region.
Data-driven insights are crucial for understanding the tourism market and staying agile in a rapidly evolving industry. Experts from Google, Booking.com, and Amadeus will discuss how data analytics and AI are transforming the industry, enabling a personalized approach to meeting unique demands. Predictive analytics will allow destinations to anticipate shifts in travel behaviors and adapt their strategies accordingly. The forum will provide attendees with valuable insights into how data and AI can be harnessed to better understand and target travelers in the Middle East.
Sports tourism is a booming segment in the Middle East, with high-profile events such as the FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 driving tourism numbers in the region. The forum will analyze the impact of these events on tourism, infrastructure, and branding, and explore how they can be leveraged to attract tourists. Speakers from Airbnb, Blueground Dubai, and other industry experts will share their perspectives on the role of sports and live events in driving tourism demand in the Middle East. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by sports tourism in the region.
