Connecting Travel launches 2025...

dnata Travel Group CEO John Bevan and 100 VIP guests joined the CT team at the exclusive event

Connecting Travel has launched the 2025 CT Insight Report at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Now in its fourth edition, the prestigious report provides a comprehensive analysis of inbound and outbound travel to and from the GCC region, with supporting data from Mabrian, one of the world’s leading providers of travel and tourism data intelligence.

The 76-page report was delivered to 100 VIP guests during an invite-only event at the Fairmont Dubai.

Jacobs Media Chairman Clive Jacobs welcomed esteemed partners Mabrian, BCG and TransPerfect, as well as keynote speaker John Bevan, CEO, dnata Travel Group, who all presented guests with travel analysis at the report launch.

Pictured in the lead image from left is Rylan Henriques, BCG Partner, UAE and KSA; Carlos Cendra, Partner and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Mabrian; Clive Jacobs, Chairman of Jacobs Media; Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director of Connecting Travel; John Bevan, CEO, dnata Travel Group, and Joel Brandon-Bravo, Vice President of Travel & Digital at TransPerfect.

The CT Insight Report is now free to download here. It shares exclusive data and developments shaping inbound and outbound tourism to and from the GCC region. New hotel openings and attractions, as well as infrastructure and policy changes set to impact the GCC, and 10 of the leading outbound destinations for GCC markets, are featured in the report, making it essential reading for the travel trade.

The invite-only event was well attended with 100 travel industry VIPs

Discussing the opportunities facing the industry today, speakers at the event and contributors to the report agreed that innovation and technology are key in driving the industry forward, and that cross-industry collaboration and fostering a holistic approach to the region’s development plays a pivotal role.

“Delivering truly standout visitor experiences depends on close collaboration with the private sector, namely hotels, airlines, tour operators and DMCs. They play a critical role in shaping every aspect of the traveller journey,” said Henriques.

“Equally important is the region’s growing commitment to data and digital infrastructure. The most successful GCC strategies will be driven by robust, realtime data engines, tracking performance, optimising ROI, improving visitor delight and boosting economic impact.”

Technology is also impacting how consumers shop for travel, with the growing Gen Z travel decision-makers “increasingly expecting a personalised experience”, according to Brandon-Bravo.

“Travel companies need to think about how to achieve a digital transformation so that they can create more content catering to different customers. In the future, travel suppliers will be able to create more personalised offers for their customers, from a no-frills airline seat or a package with priority boarding and extra legroom to a favourable room-only rate for a hotel or a late check-out and free breakfast offer.”

When it comes to industry challenges, Cendra said that in analysing satisfaction levels in the GCC region, there was still work to be done in matching customer expectations.

“There is a need to develop exceptional experiences around iconic landmarks to increase the satisfaction levels in the region,” he said, adding that there is also a need to diversify the GCC’s hotel portfolio to include mid-scale and upper mid-scale developments."

Mabrian's Carlos Cendra was among the guest speakers

Agreeing with this, Bevan, said the GCC remains “top heavy on luxury hotels and very five-star focused”, with few four-star properties and even less in the three-star category.

“Introducing more affordable accommodations and all-inclusive offerings will help to not only widen the client base that we target but also extend travellers’ stays,” he added.

Identifying intra-GCC travel and cruise as huge opportunities in the region, Bevan said the introduction of the GCC Grand Tours Visa allowing people to travel more easily between the Gulf countries will be a “huge bonus”, making it “easier for tour operators”.

“We sell almost as many staycations, up and down the coast, as we do outbound journeys,” he said.

To download the report, visit connectingtravel.com/free-download-2025-connecting-travel-insight-report