The Address Dubai Mall general manager Vincent Mercurio says that guests still want to feel pampered. The Address Dubai Mall general manager Vincent Mercurio says that guests still want to feel pampered.

Few regions in the world demand more from luxury lodging than the GCC. It’s little surprise that Arabian Travel Market has focused on this sector with a ‘Spotlight on Luxury’ theme in the 2014 edition.

But what do our experts have to say on how to keep pace with the evolution of luxury travellers’ needs?

There are plenty of facts and figures that highlight why the luxury hotel industry in the Middle East is a lucrative business to be in. One of the core markets, GCC nationals, spend 260% more on airfares than any other nationality, 430% more on accommodation and 558% more on dining.

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Unsurprising, when according to a 2012 Credit Suisse report, the number of millionaires in the UAE is set to grow by 12% by 2017, reaching 48,000 individuals.

The global picture is promising too: research released by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) put luxury goods and services spending by the world’s super rich at US $1.8 trillion in 2013, with $1 trillion spent on services and $460 billion allocated to one-of-a-kind travel adventures.

But, those with more money typically expect more for their money and they are used to the finer things in life; to access and impress this lucrative market you have to be well versed in what luxury means and how to provide it.

The luxury debate — started by our columnist Guy Wilkinson on page 35 — is likely to be one of the key talking point’s at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, which features the theme ‘Spotlight on Luxury’, in which premium travel and hospitality will be the focus.

Luxury brand exhibitors, targeting luxury buyers and visitors, will be treated to special seminar sessions exploring the high value market segment for both inbound and outbound travellers.

Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of ATM, said there can be “few places on earth” that have such a concentration of luxury five-star hotels complemented by a lifestyle to match.

“The luxury theme clearly resonates with ATM participants and so we have a dedicated platform for discussion and brand showcasing this year,” he added.

The Oberoi, Dubai, is the official luxury hotel for luxury buyers at ATM 2014, but a host of other renowned luxury hospitality brands including Amenyara and Zaya Retreats, Anantara Resorts & Spas, Mandarin Oriental, Kerzner International, FRHI Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will be present.

High-flying destinations including Monaco, Mauritius, Maldives, and the Seychelles will also have a presence.

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