The Rapid Growth of Travel in the Middle East: Trends and Challenges

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Last week, representatives from over 150 countries in the travel and tourism industry met at the Arabian Travel Market trade show in Dubai.

CNN's Eleni Giokos recently had a chat with Julia Simpson, the president of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), to discuss tourism trends in the Middle East and the importance of promoting sustainable travel.

The interview has been slightly edited for brevity and to ensure clarity.

CNN: The tourism sector is flourishing in many parts of this region and also coming under pressure in others. Tell me about the macro trends that you’re seeing right now.

Julia Simpson: It's really fascinating because travel isn't just making a comeback, it's thriving. Being here in the Middle East for the first time at the Arabian Travel Market, I'm hearing from everyone that this is the busiest they've ever seen it. This seems to be a trend worldwide - a strong market for travel and tourism everywhere.

CNN: Have you ever witnessed such a high level of interest and demand for the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council nations) and the Middle East as a whole?

Simpson: The GCC and Middle East are experiencing rapid growth compared to other regions. Recently, Saudi Arabia welcomed its 100 millionth visitor, Dubai unveiled a stunning new airport, and tourists are flocking to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Revenue numbers have surged by 50%, and the contribution to GDP from travel and tourism has increased by 25%. The region as a whole is thriving.

Simpson believes there are two factors at play here. First, Dubai has become a well-established global destination. Visitors are drawn to the safety, high-quality experiences, delicious cuisine, vibrant art scene, and rich cultural offerings. Additionally, other countries in the GCC are rapidly developing. For example, in Saudi Arabia, the Diriyah project is a remarkable transformation of an old Saud family castle into a popular attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. The growth and development are evident across the region.

People are increasingly seeking authenticity when they travel. They want to explore different areas and learn about what's happening there. For example, in Saudi Arabia, there is a rewilding project involving a million trees and green mountains. Another favorite destination for many is Oman. Oman is a beautiful country that extends far south, offering green hills that provide a refreshing escape from the scorching heat of the Middle East. It is a truly remarkable and vibrant region.

Visitors and delegates at the Arabian Travel Market.

Visitors and delegates at the Arabian Travel Market.

CNN

Climate impact

CNN: The recent flooding in the region, particularly in Dubai, has raised concerns about sustainability. Is the focus on sustainability greater now than ever before in this region?

Simpson emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of travel and tourism on the climate, especially with the increasing frequency of big climate events worldwide. Previously, the exact impact of the travel sector on greenhouse gas emissions was unknown, but through collaboration with the Saudis and Oxford Economics, the World Travel and Tourism Council has determined that the sector contributes 8% to global emissions.

Now armed with this data, it has been revealed that the majority of the sector's impact stems from ground vehicles. This includes vehicles such as delivery vans for hotels and buses for airport transportation. Therefore, the global shift towards electrification of these vehicles is crucial in reducing the sector's carbon footprint.

Air travel is another area of focus. The next-generation planes are being developed with more efficient engines. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on the production of sustainable aviation fuel. Currently, there is a global shortage of sustainable aviation fuel, but there are targets in place to increase production. However, airlines do not have control over the fuel they use as they have to purchase it. It is crucial to engage with countries to encourage investment in sustainable aviation fuel.

The KLM airplane which runs on biokerosene is seen at Schiphol airport, near Amsterdam, Netherlands, on November 23, 2009. A Boeing 747, one of four engines powered by a 50-percent biokerosene mix, circled the Netherlands for an hour today in what airline KLM called the world's first passenger flight using biofuel.

On November 23, 2009, at Schiphol airport near Amsterdam, Netherlands, the KLM airplane powered by biokerosene made its debut. This Boeing 747, with one of its four engines running on a 50-percent biokerosene mix, flew over the Netherlands for an hour. KLM proudly labeled this as the world's first passenger flight utilizing biofuel.

Photo by Lex Lieshout/AFP/Getty Images

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CNN: Let's discuss the impact of conflict in the region and the war in Gaza. Can you share with us the perceptions of risk?

Simpson: When we talk about this, it's important to remember that it is a true human tragedy, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible conflict. In terms of how it affects travel and tourism, those in the midst of the conflict are facing challenges as tourists are hesitant to visit. However, areas slightly further away are actually thriving.

Egypt's travel and tourism industry thrives due to its large size and diverse geographic locations. Despite concerns, the Gulf region remains unaffected based on current statistics. There is a prevailing sentiment that could potentially influence visitor numbers, but overall, areas not directly impacted show minimal effects on travel and tourism.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the thriving tourism industry in the Middle East, particularly in the GCC nations. The region is experiencing a surge in visitor numbers, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al-Khaimah being popular destinations. This growth is attributed to the region's safety, high-quality experiences, and cultural offerings. The article also discusses the importance of sustainability in the travel and tourism sector, emphasizing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of vehicles and the use of sustainable aviation fuel.

The article acknowledges the impact of regional conflicts on tourism, with areas directly affected facing challenges due to security concerns. However, it notes that areas not directly impacted, such as Egypt and the larger Gulf region, continue to thrive. The article underscores the resilience of the Middle East's tourism industry and its potential for continued growth despite regional challenges.