
GCC tourism strategies must encompass sustainability, social impact, and community engagement, say experts at ATM 2025
National strategies across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider Gulf region aim to balance rapid growth with inclusive, community-focused tourism Job creation, cultural authenticity, and local partnerships identified as growth enablers
ATM 2025's Global Stage provides a platform for strategic dialogue on sustainable destination planning
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 2025: As tourism destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) continue to grow, involving local communities in destination development has become increasingly vital for long-term success.
Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 aims for 39.3 million visitors per year, while Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 targets 150 million domestic and international visits, emphasising how tourism is being established as a key element of economic diversification throughout the region.
At Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, industry leaders emphasised that sustainable revitalisation of destinations must align tourism investments with community partnerships, cultural authenticity, and immersive guest experiences to provide lasting value for both residents and visitors.
During the session on 'Considerations and Implications of Involving Communities in Destination Revitalisation' on the ATM 2025 Global Stage, experts shared insights into building resilience, enhancing local prosperity, and ensuring tourism growth is both inclusive and enduring.
Abdulaziz Alkhoori, Executive Director of Group Strategy & Transformation, Miral, said: 'If I start by quoting Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. He said the most important asset of any advanced nation is people. It is all about people. Emiratisation is a very important initiative for the Miral Group. Our development and training programmes aim to support people from pre-graduation all the way to executive leadership across the sector.'
Building on this focus on empowering local talent, speakers also highlighted how authentic engagement with communities is shaping guest experiences and strengthening destination identity.
Mashhoor Baeshen, Executive Director of Commercial and Business Development, Cruise Saudi, added: 'Manpower is part of giving the full experience of a country. So how do we invest in local people to make sure that we echo their experience to the guests? At Cruise Saudi, we work on different initiatives including going to the universities that have hospitality programmes to engage the students to be on board. The Ministry of Tourism also has targets for Saudisation in the tourism industry. For example, tour guides have to be Saudi. For us, this is a great experience, because the first flavour you get from a country is when you deal with its people.'
The session highlighted how empowering local communities improves the guest experience and creates long-term value through job creation, cultural preservation, and economic resilience.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, commented: 'ATM is proud to offer a platform where global and regional leaders can engage in meaningful discussions that shape the future of travel and tourism. Through sessions like this, we bring together a variety of voices to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative strategies that benefit the entire industry.'
Arabian Travel Market 2025, held under the theme 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity', continues at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday, 1 May. The event features more than 200 speakers across three content stages and welcomes over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries.
Held in conjunction with DWTC, ATM's strategic partners include Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. About RX:
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
About RELX:
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors
World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are Arabian Travel Market, WTM London, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa.
WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.
WTM Latin America is held annually in São Paulo and attracts more than 29,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers a qualified content combined with networking and business opportunities. In its most recent edition, in 2024, WTM Latin America maintained its focus on the effective generation of business and managed to secure the early scheduling of more than six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents, and exhibitors. WTM Latin America contents are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.
About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CairoScene
4 hours ago
- CairoScene
Private Sector Bank Claims in Saudi Arabia Reach SAR 3 Trillion
Credit to private businesses and individuals rose 15.2% in April 2025, totalling SAR 3.012 trillion. Private sector banking claims in Saudi Arabia have reached SAR 3.012 trillion as of April 2025, marking a 15.2% year-on-year increase, according to new data from the Saudi Central Bank. The figure reflects total credit issued to non-government entities, including businesses and households, and highlights continued expansion in the Kingdom's financial sector. The rise in private sector lending is supported by strong domestic demand and aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify the economy under Vision 2030. The latest increase also follows a 10% year-on-year growth in time and savings deposits, which reached SAR 949.7 billion by the end of 2024. Credit to the private sector now accounts for the bulk of bank lending activity in Saudi Arabia. The trend has drawn attention from ratings agencies such as Fitch, which forecast that Saudi banks would maintain one of the highest credit growth rates in the region throughout 2025.


Egypt Today
5 days ago
- Egypt Today
Vodafone Egypt Reinforces Market Leadership by Launching Egypt's Most Extensive 5G Network to Drive Digital Innovation
Today, Vodafone Egypt officially launched 5G technology for the first time in the Egyptian market, delivering an unprecedented array of advantages that extend far beyond individual consumers to encompass businesses and enterprises alike. This groundbreaking initiative solidifies Vodafone Egypt's position as an industry pioneer in innovation, cutting-edge communications, and digital empowerment for millions of Egyptians by providing state-of-the-art telecommunications services. The revolutionary 5G network delivers seamless, high-speed streaming experiences with ultra-low latency, satisfying the demanding requirements of advanced interactive applications and gaming enthusiasts. It also provides exceptional reliability, strengthening digital infrastructure across healthcare, industrial, and numerous other critical sectors. Furthermore, the network facilitates the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) services across multiple vital industries, significantly enhancing quality of life while bolstering the national economy. Building on Vodafone's extensive global experience in deploying 5G technology across diverse international key markets, the company introduces this technology in Egypt, offering unparalleled coverage spanning over 2,000 sites from Cairo to Upper Egypt, across numerous governorates throughout the Republic. This comprehensive rollout ensures superior telecommunications services for users while supporting all economic sectors. Vodafone Egypt commits to substantially expanding its 5G coverage areas over the coming weeks, with ambitious plans to extend 5G technology nationwide, thereby reinforcing its role as a digital enabler by establishing a robust network equipped with cutting-edge services that will serve as the cornerstone of Egypt's future digital economy. Mohamed Abdallah, Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom International Markets and Vodafone Egypt commented: "Today marks a historic milestone in Egypt's telecommunications landscape with the launch of 5G technology, representing the culmination of our successful infrastructure development strategy and adoption of the world's most advanced technologies. We take immense pride in maintaining our position as Egypt's top-performing network for the second consecutive year, as validated by independent international organizations, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Through our 5G network launch, Vodafone Egypt harnesses the Vodafone Group's global expertise to provide our individual and corporate customers with the most comprehensive and reliable coverage in the Egyptian market, unlocking innovative possibilities across vital sectors including healthcare, industry, and education, while paving the path toward smart cities and contributing to Egypt's Vision 2030 digital transformation objectives." Vodafone extends access to 5G technology to all customers across every package, without additional charges, simply by activating the service through device settings adjustments for 5G-compatible devices, eliminating the need for SIM card replacement. Customers can verify device compatibility through the Vodafone application or via the dedicated link: The company delivers 5G technology with dependable connectivity and exceptional data transfer speeds, supported by substantial investments in developing robust infrastructure that provides users with reliable, high-speed connections and trustworthy services. This is made possible by the latest innovative technologies, including the groundbreaking 'Adaptive Interference Free (AIF)' system. This system, pioneered by Vodafone Egypt, is a world-first innovation that eliminates interference in the 5G network, ensuring consistently high performance. Mohamed Abdallah concluded: "Vodafone Egypt firmly believes technology should serve everyone universally. Through our 5G launch, we create new opportunities across all sectors while reaffirming our dedication to accelerating Egypt's digital transformation and establishing the foundation for tomorrow's digital economy. We consistently place our customers at the center of our operations, continuously striving to simplify their daily lives and elevate their digital experiences." To showcase the advantages of 5G within the Egyptian market, Vodafone Egypt participated in Insomnia Egypt, the country's largest gaming festival. The event, held from April 24 to 26, 2025, at the Cairo International Exhibition Center, provided a platform for Vodafone Egypt to demonstrate the capabilities of 5 G technology in enhancing gaming experiences. This initiative represents part of Vodafone Egypt's significant achievements series, confirming the company's extensive expertise in this domain, which was recently highlighted by securing first place in the latest network performance measurement reports from Umlaut, the independent benchmarking organization for both 2024 and 2025.


Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Mid East Info
AliExpress Revolutionizes the Online Shopping Experience with Electric Vehicles - Middle East Business News and Information
For the first time, you can order a state-of-the-art EV on AliExpress Big Save Dubai, UAE – June, 2025 – AliExpress is pushing the boundaries of online shopping by enabling customers to purchase the latest electric vehicles (EVs) directly from their homes , marking a significant milestone for e-commerce globally. This unprecedented service will launch in June during the platform's Summer Sale, offering consumers an innovative way to embrace sustainable transportation. At the initial stage, the cars will only be sold to the UAE with the plan to expand to other GCC markets. The Ideal Fit: Aligned with the UAE's Vision 2031, AliExpress will simplify the purchasing process for the latest brand-name EVs delivered from China. The UAE Vision 2031 seeks to position the nation as a leader across multiple sectors while enhancing the quality of life for its residents and ensuring sustainable development for future generations. This initiative serves as a perfect match for the country's aspirations, providing an accessible solution for consumers and promoting eco-conscious choices. By offering more affordable EVs, AliExpress is broadening the appeal of electric mobility across diverse demographic groups, benefiting all income brackets and contributing positively to the UAE's economy. Fueling the Future of Transportation: The electric vehicle market in the UAE is witnessing significant growth, driven by government incentives and robust infrastructure investments. Currently, there are over 70,000 EVs in the UAE, and this number is expected to reach 100,000 by 2027. Residents are increasingly drawn to electric vehicles due to their environmental advantages, such as zero emissions and reduced air pollution, fostering a cleaner, healthier environment. Additionally, consumers appreciate the lower operating costs that EVs offer compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Transparency at Its Finest: With AliExpress, purchasing the latest EV shipped from China has never been easier or more affordable. Through the platform's Big Save Channel, customers can conveniently select their desired model with AliExpress 15 years of e-commerce expertise. Once purchased, the electric vehicle will arrive via sea freight from China. This innovative approach is revolutionizing the way you shop for big-ticket items. Expect renowned brands like BYD, Geely, Jetour, and Toyota at significant savings, making these cutting-edge electric vehicles even more accessible to the Emirati consumer. The electric vehicle market in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing swift growth, driven by consumers' increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation, supportive government initiatives, and the establishment of a comprehensive charging infrastructure. Additionally, the country's commitment to sustainability has fostered a positive environment for electric vehicle adoption. In this dynamic landscape, AliExpress is stepping in to enhance accessibility by offering customers the ability to purchase the latest electric vehicles through its platform, further accelerating this shift toward sustainable mobility. About AliExpress: Launched in 2010, AliExpress is a global e-commerce platform dedicated to creating a better shopping experience for hundreds of millions of consumers in more than 200 countries and regions. In addition to the English version, the AliExpress platform is available in 15 other languages. AliExpress is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.