Latest news with #MeetingsArabia&LuxuryTravel
Mid East Info
28-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
MALT Congress 2025: A Resounding Success for Luxury Travel in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi, UAE – February 2025 – The 13th edition of the Meetings Arabia & Luxury Travel (MALT) Congress, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) in partnership with QnA International, concluded on February 19-20, 2025, marking another milestone in the Middle East's luxury travel and MICE industry. Held over two dynamic days, the event solidified its position as the region's premier platform for high-level networking, strategic collaborations, and industry innovation. The MALT Congress 2025 attracted top-level travel and hospitality stakeholders, including global travel suppliers, top-tier travel agencies, corporate travel heads, and luxury concierge services. The event's meticulously curated one-on-one meetings fostered meaningful business connections and delivered tangible outcomes for participants. Board member Anil Chandirani who is Group president of Satguru Travels remarked on the growing interest in travel. The Founder of the 35 year old travel conglomerate with operations across 80 countries says, ' Travel has changed and grown. People are exploring more and more. They are being adventurous with travel destinations, looking for upgrades' , Satguru Travels is a full fledged agency that owns the travel portal Travel Wings and has recently acquired Orient Tours as well as Trav Trips, a pure holiday organising company. Chandirani said the market has grown for both economy and luxury travel. Demand in all segments of the market has increased, even for business travel related to MICE in spite of the of the growing incidence of online meetings. High demand has led to travellers booking in advance. 'We have covered 30% of our revenue target for 2025 in January itself' he added. With over a decade of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Mr. Nasir, CEO of Al Naboodah Travel & TourismAgencies LLC and MALT Board member emphasized the value of networking at key events, saying, 'I consider myself lucky that I never missed all these events… this is my 13th year.' He highlighted the rapid recovery post-COVID in the region, noting, 'We recovered the business volumes at the level of 2019 much earlier than expected.' Mr. Nasir also observed the rise of online bookings in markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stating, 'Online business has grown tremendously… Saudi Arabia has 75% penetration… and UAE has almost the same trend.' Despite this, he stressed the continued importance of travel agents for personalized support, especially for cancellations and refunds: 'People are now coming back to the travel agent to buy services… there's a responsible person now.' He noted the increasing popularity of luxury travel and shorter holiday durations, with travelers seeking more control over their plans: 'Luxury travel has picked up a lot after COVID… people are booking shorter holidays.' Lastly, he commented on rising costs in the industry, adding, 'Airline fares are going up, hotel rates are up, but the occupancy rate is 95%.'. Travel is here to stay in spite of higher costs. 'The whole concept of MICE and Meetings and Luxury Travel is evolving in the Middle East. Middle Eastern travellers used to have a standard pattern of traveling to certain specific location and not go anywhere else. But it's changing because luxury is no longer about glitz and glam. Or VIP service, it's about connecting with nature. It's about sustainability. It's about all they want is just to unwind. It's different things to different people. We are looking forward to setting the trend year after year.' He added. The Congress concluded with an award distribution recognizing excellence in various categories. * Mr, Mishal Kanoo won the Lifetime Achievement award. He highlighted the important role the travel industry plays in adding meaning to people's lives. List of awardees attached. Chris Flynn Executive Chairman of World Tourism Association for Culture & Heritage had a varied perspective on luxury travel. He said, 'We work with governments on how to build a better policy. He suggests that the success of a destination should not be based on volume but on attracting the right type of tourist who will value the experience and respect your culture. When the right profile of traveller is attracted for the right reasons in optimum numbers, the impact on the industry and host country are excellent.' Mohamed Islam Salama, Senior Regional Director Client Executive EMEA, CWT highlighted the increasing role of technology in travel and tourism. 'In our company we have lots of training on how to generate savings by using AI and it's a very sensitive subject, managed as such. As an American company we are very aware about protecting passenger information and not exposing it to an open environment like AI. We are also focused on sustainability and developing sophisticated techniques to measure the carbon footprint of travelers to meetings and events.' Sidh N.C., Director of QnA International reiterated the location of the MALT 2025 Congress. 'Abu Dhabi is a perfect location for this Congress. We are overwhelmed with the response.'
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MALT Congress 2025: A resounding success for luxury travel in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The 13th edition of the Meetings Arabia & Luxury Travel (MALT) Congress, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) in partnership with QnA International, concluded on February 19-20, 2025, marking another milestone in the Middle East's luxury travel and MICE industry. Held over two dynamic days, the event solidified its position as the region's premier platform for high-level networking, strategic collaborations, and industry innovation. The MALT Congress 2025 attracted top-level travel and hospitality stakeholders, including global travel suppliers, top-tier travel agencies, corporate travel heads, and luxury concierge services. The event's meticulously curated one-on-one meetings fostered meaningful business connections and delivered tangible outcomes for participants. Board member Anil Chandirani who is Group president of Satguru Travels remarked on the growing interest in travel. The Founder of the 35 year old travel conglomerate with operations across 80 countries says, ' Travel has changed and grown. People are exploring more and more. They are being adventurous with travel destinations, looking for upgrades' , Satguru Travels is a full fledged agency that owns the travel portal Travel Wings and has recently acquired Orient Tours as well as Trav Trips, a pure holiday organising company. Chandirani said the market has grown for both economy and luxury travel. Demand in all segments of the market has increased, even for business travel related to MICE in spite of the of the growing incidence of online meetings. High demand has led to travellers booking in advance. 'We have covered 30% of our revenue target for 2025 in January itself' he added. With over a decade of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Mr. Nasir, CEO of Al Naboodah Travel & TourismAgencies LLC and MALT Board member emphasized the value of networking at key events, saying, "I consider myself lucky that I never missed all these events... this is my 13th year." He highlighted the rapid recovery post-COVID in the region, noting, "We recovered the business volumes at the level of 2019 much earlier than expected." Mr. Nasir also observed the rise of online bookings in markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stating, "Online business has grown tremendously... Saudi Arabia has 75% penetration... and UAE has almost the same trend." Despite this, he stressed the continued importance of travel agents for personalized support, especially for cancellations and refunds: "People are now coming back to the travel agent to buy services... there's a responsible person now." He noted the increasing popularity of luxury travel and shorter holiday durations, with travelers seeking more control over their plans: "Luxury travel has picked up a lot after COVID... people are booking shorter holidays." Lastly, he commented on rising costs in the industry, adding, "Airline fares are going up, hotel rates are up, but the occupancy rate is 95%.". Travel is here to stay in spite of higher costs. 'The whole concept of MICE and Meetings and Luxury Travel is evolving in the Middle East. Middle Eastern travellers used to have a standard pattern of traveling to certain specific location and not go anywhere else. But it's changing because luxury is no longer about glitz and glam. Or VIP service, it's about connecting with nature. It's about sustainability. It's about all they want is just to unwind. It's different things to different people. We are looking forward to setting the trend year after year.' He added. The Congress concluded with an award distribution recognizing excellence in various categories. * Mr, Mishal Kanoo won the Lifetime Achievement award. He highlighted the important role the travel industry plays in adding meaning to people's lives. List of awardees attached. Chris Flynn Executive Chairman of World Tourism Association for Culture & Heritage had a varied perspective on luxury travel. He said, 'We work with governments on how to build a better policy. He suggests that the success of a destination should not be based on volume but on attracting the right type of tourist who will value the experience and respect your culture. When the right profile of traveller is attracted for the right reasons in optimum numbers, the impact on the industry and host country are excellent.' Mohamed Islam Salama, Senior Regional Director Client Executive EMEA, CWT highlighted the increasing role of technology in travel and tourism. 'In our company we have lots of training on how to generate savings by using AI and it's a very sensitive subject, managed as such. As an American company we are very aware about protecting passenger information and not exposing it to an open environment like AI. We are also focused on sustainability and developing sophisticated techniques to measure the carbon footprint of travelers to meetings and events.' Sidh N.C., Director of QnA International reiterated the location of the MALT 2025 Congress. 'Abu Dhabi is a perfect location for this Congress. We are overwhelmed with the response.' About QnA International QnA International LLC is a global leader in B2B event organization, driving innovation in knowledge-sharing and business events for over a decade. Its diverse portfolio includes conferences, summits, and training programs across sectors such as trade finance, travel and tourism, technology, supply chain, destination weddings, and human resources. Based in Dubai, UAE, QnA International delivers world-class events in key global markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mexico, India, Greece, Thailand, Georgia, and Indonesia, aligning with the evolving demands of the global economy.
Mid East Info
31-01-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) to Host The 13th ‘Meetings Arabia & Luxury Travel Congress (MALT)' in February 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Meetings Arabia & Luxury Travel (MALT) Congress is set to return to Abu Dhabi for its 13th annual from 19-20 February 2025 , following a resounding success in the city last year. This is the second consecutive year ADCEB will be the host sponsor of this prestigious event organized by QnA International. As host sponsor, ADCEB will showcase the exceptional capabilities of the emirate's state-of-the-art infrastructure and unmatched accessibility. Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) , part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) continues to highlight the emirates' value as a destination that combines excellence in terms of facilities with a progressive outlook on business, economy, innovation, and sustainability. Building on the momentum of the 2024 edition, which welcomed over 250 delegates and facilitated 1,800+ one-to-one meetings, this year's MALT Congress promises a vibrant B2B marketplace that unites leading MICE and luxury travel professionals. Attendees will explore emerging industry trends, forge strategic connections, and unlock collaborative opportunities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's standing as a premier destination for transformative events. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau , commented, 'We are pleased to welcome the annual MALT Congress back to Abu Dhabi, providing delegates with an engaging platform for collaboration in our ever-evolving industry. At ADCEB, we remain committed to creating a supportive ecosystem for our industry partners, working together to attract travelers to our region. This event also offers an opportunity to showcase the cultural depth of our emirate while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's standing as a global leader in crafting world-class events and experiences.' The return of the MALT Congress to Abu Dhabi cements the emirate's position as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, combining world-class infrastructure, exceptional accessibility, and diverse leisure offerings. Supported by a dedication to hospitality and hosting excellence, Abu Dhabi provides a compelling backdrop for events like MALT, ensuring every delegate experiences a welcoming and memorable stay. ADCEB plays a pivotal role in this transformation, offering extensive support to event organizers throughout the event cycle; through initiatives ., such as ADCEB's incentive program, Advantage Abu Dhabi, bid advisory services, attendance-building strategies, and strategic partnerships with global MICE associations like the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and United Networks of International Corporate Events Organizers (UNICEO). , ADCEB actively fosters Abu Dhabi's standing as a preferred destination for large-scale events. Advancing Innovation, Accessibility, and Sustainability ADCEB's collaboration with the MALT Congress aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 , aimed at harnessing the MICE sector to unlock economic opportunities, amplify the emirate's distinctive culture, and enhance its global value proposition. ADCEB also emphasizes sustainability through initiatives such as the Carbon Calculator , which empowers hotels to monitor their carbon emissions, and accessibility guidelines ensuring inclusive experiences for all attendees. Guided by the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy , ADCEB exemplifies leadership in sustainable practices across tourism and event management. Tools like the Abu Dhabi Pass further elevate the visitor experience, offering value and convenience across over 40 attractions for delegates extending their stay. Why Abu Dhabi? Ranked as the safest city in the world by Numbeo* for eight consecutive years, Abu Dhabi is within a six-hour flight of two-thirds of the global population. Its top ranking for safety from Numbeo takes into account several factors that make living in a city attractive apart from safety, such as stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Additionally, Abu Dhabi's infrastructure includes world-class hotels, cutting-edge conference facilities, renowned landmarks like Qasr Al Watan , Yas Marina Circuit , and leading theme parks such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi . Additionally, Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of innovation with accessibility guidelines, sustainability efforts, and cutting-edge technology to enhance the MICE experience. Over 90 local hotels have earned sustainability certifications, while initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Pass and tailored services for specific markets ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all delegates. They also tailor services to meet particular needs, such as collaborating with platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay to cater to Chinese MICE delegates. Director of QnA International, Sidh NC said, 'The 13th Annual MALT Congress is more than just an event; it's a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and the future of MICE and luxury travel is shaped. Returning to Abu Dhabi, a city that exemplifies hospitality and global excellence, we are focused on creating an environment that fosters meaningful collaboration and shared success. Our mission is to empower the travel ecosystem with actionable insights and opportunities, ensuring everyone leaves inspired and equipped to drive progress in their own arenas.' As a vibrant and diverse hub for global events, Abu Dhabi invites delegates to immerse themselves in a destination where innovation, sustainability, and cultural richness converge to create extraordinary experiences. About QnA International: QnA International LLC is a global leader in B2B event organization, driving innovation in knowledge-sharing and business events for over a decade. Its diverse portfolio includes conferences, summits, and training programs across sectors such as trade finance, travel and tourism, technology, supply chain, destination weddings, and human resources. Based in Dubai, UAE, QnA International delivers world-class events in key global markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mexico, India, Greece, Thailand, Georgia, and Indonesia, aligning with the evolving demands of the global economy.
