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Eco-Consciousness Takes Center Stage For Luxury Travelers In Middle East | |
| Sumita Pawar |
Sustainability is increasingly important in the luxury travel sector in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, where 61% of residents are willing to pay more for eco-friendly experiences, according to YouGov.
One in 10 consumers has stayed in luxury eco-friendly accommodation in the past three years, and high-income travellers' sustainable hotel stays have increased by 50% during the same period.
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The United Arab Emirates is ranked first globally for the value placed on travel, with 58% of respondents saying it has become more important since the pandemic.
A quarter of those in the country prioritised entertainment, while 19% placed the biggest emphasis on quality accommodation when booking trips. Meanwhile, Qatar Tourism has relaunched the Hayya platform, which will become the sole portal for all tourist and business visas to Qatar, unifying visa processes for tourists, Gulf residents, and companions of Gulf citizens.
The platform will simplify the visa process and make it easier for tourists to visit Qatar, with holders enjoying seamless travel and connectivity into the country.
Saudi Arabian Airlines and low-cost carrier flyadeal plan to add 25 new destinations to the Saudia Group Network in 2023, including Beijing, Birmingham, London Gatwick, Nice, and destinations in Africa, Greece, and parts of Europe.
Travel managers across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa expect corporate travel volumes in 2023 to exceed pre-pandemic levels, according to Cvent. India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand are among the popular destinations for travellers from the United Arab Emirates during Eid vacations, according to Wego.
Finally, Hilton has signed a management agreement for a new hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with plans to grow its portfolio in the country to more than 75 hotels across multiple brands.