Experts stressed that local engagement is critical to the long-term resilience and inclusivity of the tourism sector
At the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading international travel and tourism event, experts emphasised that as tourism grows across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), involving local communities in destination development is essential for long-term success. Speakers highlighted community engagement, job creation, and cultural authenticity as critical elements for building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism across the region.
In a press statement ATM says that as the GCC region targets ambitious visitor growth, experts stressed that local engagement is critical to the long-term resilience and inclusivity of the tourism sector.
Speakers highlighted community engagement, job creation, and cultural authenticity as critical elements for building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism
It adds that Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 projects 39.3 million annual visitors, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims for 150 million domestic and international visits. These goals reflect the region’s broader agenda to position tourism as a pillar of economic diversification.
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The statement adds that the session, titled Considerations and Implications of Involving Communities in Destination Revitalisation, focused on aligning tourism investments with cultural preservation, employment generation and inclusive planning.
Abdulaziz Alkhoori
It adds that experts noted that guest experiences improve when local communities are engaged meaningfully in tourism development.
According to statement Arabian Travel Market continues at Dubai World Trade Centre until May 1, featuring over 200 speakers and drawing more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries.
It adds that the event is held under the theme Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.
It further adds that strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel.
Mashhoor Baeshen
“I start by quoting Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. He said the most important asset of any advanced nation is people. It is all about people. Emiratisation is a very important initiative for the Miral Group. Our development and training programmes aim to support people from pre-graduation all the way to executive leadership across the sector,” says Abdulaziz Alkhoori, Executive Director of Group Strategy & Transformation, Miral.
Danielle Curtis
“Manpower is part of giving the full experience of a country. So how do we invest in local people to make sure that we echo their experience to the guests? At Cruise Saudi, we work on different initiatives including going to the universities that have hospitality programmes to engage the students to be on board. The Ministry of Tourism also has targets for Saudisation in the tourism industry. For example, tour guides have to be Saudi. For us, this is a great experience, because the first flavour you get from a country is when you deal with its people,” says Mashhoor Baeshen, Executive Director of Commercial and Business Development, Cruise Saudi.
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“ATM is proud to offer a platform where global and regional leaders can engage in meaningful discussions that shape the future of travel and tourism. Through sessions like this, we bring together a variety of voices to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative strategies that benefit the entire industry,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
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