Tourism leaders from across the Gulf are calling for deeper community involvement in destination development, highlighting it as a cornerstone for long-term success in the region’s rapidly expanding travel sector.
Speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, industry experts stressed that sustainable tourism must align with local culture, workforce empowerment, and community engagement to create lasting value for residents and visitors alike. The session, held on the ATM Global Stage, explored how inclusive development can build economic resilience, preserve heritage, and elevate guest experiences.
With Abu Dhabi aiming for 39.3 million visitors annually by 2030 and Saudi Arabia targeting 150 million domestic and international visits, tourism is firmly positioned as a key pillar of economic diversification across the GCC.
Miral’s Executive Director of Group Strategy and Transformation, Abdulaziz Alkhoori, highlighted the importance of investing in people, referencing Sheikh Zayed’s vision of human capital as a nation’s greatest asset. He said initiatives such as Emiratisation and training programmes are helping locals grow into leadership roles within the tourism sector.
Echoing this focus, Mashhoor Baeshen of Cruise Saudi underscored the value of local hospitality in shaping memorable guest experiences.
“The first flavour you get from a country is when you deal with its people,”
he said, pointing to efforts to involve Saudi students and meet Saudisation targets in tour operations.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for ATM, said the platform continues to foster industry collaboration and innovative strategies under this year’s theme: Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.
ATM 2025 runs at Dubai World Trade Centre until 1 May, drawing over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
