What You Can Expect at Skift Global Forum East

Skift Take

Skift Global Forum East is back in Dubai this month and it’s the place to be for anyone involved in Middle East tourism. This year’s lineup includes CEOs, industry pioneers, and innovators shaping the future of travel across the region.

Peden Doma Bhutia

We are all set for the third Skift Global Forum East in Dubai on November 19 and 20. Our focus: The future of global travel through the lens of technology, market dynamics, and transformative experiences. 

One of the most compelling trends is the growing influence of Asian travelers. China and India are rapidly becoming top tourism source markets, fueling demand for destinations worldwide.

At this year’s forum, we’ll discuss how Middle Eastern destinations, from Dubai to Riyadh, are rethinking marketing and hospitality strategies to attract and accommodate these travelers, whose preferences differ greatly from those of traditional Western tourists.

And we’ll dive into tailored approaches that Middle Eastern hospitality providers are developing to resonate with these visitors.

The Rise of Experiential Travel 

As travelers seek more than just traditional sightseeing, destinations are crafting immersive experiences to capture their imagination. The Middle East, with its rich culture and history, is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

Dubai and Saudi Arabia, for example, are investing heavily in curated experiences that highlight heritage, adventure, and luxury. This shift is crucial, as reports and surveys now suggest that younger travelers value unique, personalized travel experiences.

Who We’ll Hear From: Guy Hutchinson, president Middle East & Africa of Hilton.

How Connectivity Serves as the Lifeline of Middle Eastern Tourism

Air connectivity is the backbone of the Middle East’s tourism sector, especially to meet those ambitious tourism targets. With increased flight routes, Middle Eastern countries are making it easier than ever for travelers to reach these destinations.

Forum sessions will highlight the growing importance of strategic partnerships between airlines and governments to boost air connectivity, helping destinations capitalize on the outbound travel boom.

Who We’ll Hear From: Etihad Aviation Group; Steve Greenway, CEO of Flyadeal and Aloke Singh, CEO of Air India Express.

Harnessing Data and AI for Market Adaptability

Understanding the tourism market requires data-driven insights. At this year’s forum, experts from Google, Booking.com, and Amadeus will discuss how data analytics and AI are transforming the industry, enabling a personalized approach to meeting unique demands.

Predictive analytics from these experts will allow destinations to anticipate shifts in travel behaviors, helping them to stay agile and relevant in a rapidly evolving market.

Who We’ll Hear From: Yannis Simaiakis, director, travel and local search partnerships, EMEA at Google.

Sports and Live Events: Catalysts for Tourism Demand

Sports tourism is a booming segment, especially in the Middle East, which has been leveraging high-profile events to boost tourism numbers. This year’s forum will analyze the pull power of events like the FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, and other marquee events that draw global crowds and are likely to be particularly appealing to tourists.

As the region continues to host these events, we’ll examine the broader impact on tourism, infrastructure, and branding.

Who We’ll Hear From: Amani O’Neill, senior public policy manager, Middle East, Airbnb and Nina Klishevich, general manager of Blueground Dubai.

Get your tickets ASAP before the event sells out.