10 trends for luxury outbound travel...

Industry experts shares insights on traveller trends from the region ahead of Abu Dhabi congress

Travel industry experts have identified 10 trends shaping Middle East luxury outbound travel for 2025.

Launched ahead of the The Meetings Arabia & Luxury Travel (MALT) Congress annual event being held this year at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers in the UAE on 19-20 February 2025, the MICE and luxury travel trends analysis comes from industry insiders shaping the MALT agenda.

“Future travellers will look beyond luxury accommodations, they will crave immersive, exclusive and seamless experiences that transform the very idea of travel,” said Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, organisers of MALT Congress.

Here are the top 10 trends For luxury outbound travel from the Middle East:

1. Experiential luxury
In a move that may surprise, Middle Eastern travellers are shifting from traditional luxury to experiences that are richer from a cultural perspective.

“We have observed a strong shift toward high-end, immersive, and family-oriented travel among Middle Eastern visitors, with a focus on exclusivity and personalised experiences,” said Stephanie Tanpure, Vice President of Sales at Sands Resorts Macao. “Affluent travellers from the region increasingly seek private villa-style accommodations, VIP shopping, fine dining, and experiential travel that blends luxury with cultural and entertainment elements.”

2. Demand for winter holidays and cooler destinations
Erna Evudottir, CEO of Destination Complete, is seeing two main trends among Middle Eastern travellers. The first is a growing interest in winter holidays, "particularly those centred on snow activities and the allure of the Northern Lights", and the second, an increasing demand for "cooler summer destinations", with travellers seeking mild climates where temperatures do not exceed 25°C.

Elena Kosmina, Managing Partner at Q Travels, added that while Eid and regional holidays remain peak travel periods, "travel in the colder season is increasing".

3. Multi-generational travel
Andrew Gomes, Head of Sales at Royal Caribbean International, said there has been a surge in demand for family travel, with accommodations and activities designed for diverse age groups. Sergey Mandryka, Business Development Manager at Viadi Group SA, also pointed out the growing interest in family trips that incorporate immersive experiences.

4. Wellness and holistic travel
With tourists making health and wellbeing a priority, wellness tourism is on the rise. Jennifer Charlton, SVP Trade Sales & Business Development, UK & EMEA at Abercrombie and Kent said this segment covers everything from yoga retreats and spa breaks to mindful travel experiences.

Natali Oniani, Business Development Coordinator at Georgia National Tourism Administration also highlighted the growth in wellness tourism, especially in destinations that offer new cultural experiences.

Yoga Retreat, Amankora, Bhutan - Spa & Wellness

5. Hyper-personalisation
Luxury is no longer enough, it has to be bespoke. Elena Kosmina, Managing Partner at Qunota Travel Limited, namechecks tailored itineraries, private butlers and exclusive access. Meanwhile, Shafiul Syed, CEO of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet, added that demand for premium private jet services has taken off in the region, with a focus on personalisation, privacy and connectivity.

6. Emerging destinations
Robin Eichmueller, Regional Director of Sales at Orascom Hotel Management, said Middle Eastern travellers are among the most well-travelled individuals in the world, having extensively explored traditional luxury destinations. As a result, they are "increasingly seeking new inspirations, unique experiences and untouched destinations that offer something beyond the familiar".

Abercrombie & Kent's Charlton agreed, adding that while traditional European hotspots remain popular, Middle Eastern travellers are "increasingly adventurous and seeking out undiscovered destinations". Among these, new destinations and lesser-known regions in Spain are proving popular for Middle East travellers, according to Carlos Ruiz Gonzalez, Director of Spain Tourist Office for GCC Countries.

Cordoba, among Spain's lesser-known destinations

7. Culinary tourism
There is a growing interest in culinary tourism and Royal Caribbean’s Gomes emphasised the role of halal-friendly dining and immersive cultural experiences for Middle Eastern travellers.

Hong Kong is one destination focused on providing this. "The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is aiming to establish Hong Kong as a top Muslim-friendly travel destination with a focus on food, along with assessing and certifying attractions, hotels and event venues, said Becky Ip, Deputy Executive Director, HKTB.

8. Sustainability and responsible travel
Gonzalez said the Spain Tourist Office is promoting eco-friendly destinations and authentic cultural experiences to Middle East travellers. Evudottir at Destination Complete also noted the region's growing interest in sustainable and culturally rich Scandinavian luxury experiences.

9. Luxury retail
Luxury shopping remains a significant draw for travellers from the Middle East. Tanpure from Sands Resorts Macao highlighted the importance of high-end retail destinations, such as The Shoppes at Londoner Macao, and the growing expectation from the region's visitors for VIP services and private shopping experiences.

Oniani at Georgia National Tourism Administration further highlighted the growth in high-end retail and luxury hospitality in Georgia, catering directly to such travellers.

10. Tech-driven convenience
Tech-savvy Middle Eastern travellers expect uninterrupted connectivity and advanced technological amenities. Becky Ip of HKTB also points to the need for cultural inclusivity and luxury experiences, supported by seamless integration of technology.

The highlighted trends and the rise of the Middle East as a force in outbound luxury travel will be explored during the MALT Congress which is organised by QnA International in partnership with host sponsor Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB).

For more information, visit maltcongress.com

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