This Skift Global Forum East 2025 report highlights how the Middle East, especially the Gulf, is becoming travel’s new center of gravity as aviation connectivity, major investments, and high-spending demand shift global tourism eastward. It frames Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 around growing visitors and capacity while emphasizing quality, culture, sustainability, and smoother digital journeys, including biometrics and upgraded airport infrastructure. The report also spotlights India and China as the next big outbound engines, with younger, experience-led travelers influenced by social platforms and authenticity. It covers the rapid maturation of short-term rentals, the rise of “live tourism” and immersive events, and how AI is reshaping trip planning, marketing, and operations, with trust and content quality becoming critical.
