Arabian Travel Market 2024 to Highlight Gulf Travelers’ Preferences

The organizers of the “Arabian Travel Market 2024,” which is scheduled to take place from May 6 to 9 next year at the Dubai World Trade Centre, anticipate a significant growth in the outbound travel market from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the next five years.

This increase is mainly attributed to the travel preferences of individuals over 40 years of age.

A report by Research Nester in New York indicated that the age group of individuals born between 1965 and 1980, known as Generation X, is driving significant growth in the size and value of overseas travel from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The report elucidates the main reasons why this demographic is dominating the growth in the region, particularly in the markets of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The report indicates that the expenditure of this segment is estimated at about 11.1 billion dollars, which equates to 41% of the total market value of the outbound travel sector from Saudi Arabia, expected to reach around 27 billion dollars by the year 2028.

In the United Arab Emirates, the expenditure of this segment will amount to 18.2 billion dollars, representing 60% of the total market value of the outbound travel sector, which is anticipated to reach 30.5 billion dollars by 2028.

Europe is the preferred destination for tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Other key destinations for these travelers include the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Africa. Naturally, the increase in spending by travelers from the Gulf has drawn the attention of many international destinations.

Danielle Curtis, the Exhibition Director of the Arabian Travel Market, stated that last year’s event hosted 76 national pavilions which occupied about 55% of the total exhibition space.

She predicts that the 2024 edition will experience increased growth as pavilions from Spain, China, and various African destinations make a return.

The “Arabian Travel Market” will also host a special summit to explore the future of travel markets in India, China, and Latin America, as well as to discuss the latest travel trends across different generations.

The 31st edition of the exhibition will focus on the theme “Empowering Innovation: Advancing the Travel Sector through Entrepreneurship,” with participation from a number of decision-makers and experts in the travel and tourism industry from the Middle East and various parts of the world.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for establishing new relationships and exchanging knowledge and experiences, contributing to shaping the future of the global travel and tourism sector.

The event will stand out for its extensive participation from both startups and established brands. It will highlight the significance of innovation in enhancing customer experience, increasing efficiency, and accelerating the transition towards zero emissions in the industry.

(WAM)