Here are the top travel trends in the Middle East for 2024

Global demand for air travel remained strong in 2023, with the industry steadily approaching 2019 levels of passenger traffic, according to IATA. This also bodes well for the region’s travel sector this year.

The industry has the potential to make huge strides in 2024, with the application of exciting new technologies to facilitate innovation in personalisation and customer experience.

Collinson, the operator of the airport experiences programme Priority Pass, has shared the biggest trends to expect this year across the travel sector in the Middle East. These indicate that:

Technology will drive experiences

From AI-led trip planning and customer service to robotic customer assistance in the airport and biometric developments in security, technology will continue to shape innovation in travel.

The airport of the future will be vastly different from what we know today, with a focus on creating a more seamless experience that offers personalisation, tailored benefits for frequent travellers, and accessible digital touchpoints.

As travel continues to thrive in 2024, more choice means an enhanced travel experience, and ultimately, happy customers.

Cost-friendly holidays will be an important consideration

Money is tight, but travel remains a priority for many of us. As travellers look to be more creative with their travels, finding alternative destinations that enable them to still experience their dream trip at a fraction of the cost.

Off-grid experiences will take precedence

From backpacking to wellness retreats, the rise in holidays that enable travellers to get back to basics is undeniable. Collinson’s 2023 Switch Off survey showed that wellness retreats and off-grid experiences are big priorities for global travellers looking to disconnect from everyday life when away – a trend that the company says is likely to continue as we look to reconnect with nature in 2024.

Eco-conscientious adventurers to rise

Sustainability is a trend that continues to gain momentum with 69 per cent of travellers actively seeking eco-friendly travel options and ways they can contribute to giving back to the planet.

Bleisure travel to stay strong

Business leisure travel is not new, but, as the world returned to a state of more regular travel this year, more efficient corporate travel is on the rise in 2024.

With hybrid working proving it is here to stay, corporate travellers will also continue to look for ways to blend their work and leisure travel next year.