Middle East the centre stage of luxury

Luxury travel has been evolving over the years, especially in the Middle East region, where it is a way of life. The past two years brought out new trends in the luxury segment with the new generation of travellers also stepping into this niche segment. They are ready to pay a premium in order to receive better quality of service and experience hassle-free stays.

Shehara Rizly

In the Middle East, customers are willing to pay a premium in order to receive better quality of service that will provide them a hassle free experience. Today, there is an increase of luxury brands that enter the market in travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. Airlines promote their luxury cabins, hotels have their brand story revealed with ultimate luxury. In the arena of tourism, there are more luxury and ultra-luxury events which provide B2B clientele luxurious experiences. Travel curators in the Middle East serve their clients with the most hassle-free holiday experiences. The Red Sea has joined the exclusive Serandipians network of luxury travel and hospitality organizations.

Candice D’Cruz – Vice President & Continent Brand Leader, Luxury Brands, EMEA – Marriott International, shares, “The Middle East is a globally renowned epicentre of luxury and post pandemic there has been increased demand for premium rooms and suites. We have seen a shift in values across luxury consumers, with a move towards spending more on travel and experiences, with this conscious or even unconscious focus on creating memories.” Tamara Salha – General Manager – Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, reiterates that luxury has really picked up over the past two years. “And the results are evident. Since October last year, our occupancy has been in its high 90s with majority of November being on full occupancy. Our standard rooms for most of Q4 were sold out and we have not seen any hesitance from our guests for paying extra for higher category rooms,” she said.

Luxury will continue to grow in its own way, adopting and transforming as and when required, from private luxurious jet experiences to private villas on private islands, experiential travel and curated travel.

Matthew Clark  – Regional Director of Sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East – Shiji, shares, “Luxury travel needs to continue to be able to adopt and embed the latest technology and privacy technologies whilst continuing to offer what feels like a premium and personalised offering.  Luxury travel must continue to be capable of adopting and implementing the most recent technologies.”