Aviation correspondent Deena Kamel at Arabian Travel Market discussed the drive to ready the region for an anticipated increase in visitor numbers.
Ambitious plans for attracting 130 million tourists annually to the Gulf by the end of the decade have been shaping the agenda at this week's Arabia Travel market. A significant push to bolster aviation infrastructure to prepare for the anticipated visitor surge has proved a focus for discussions and deal-making at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Airlines have opened up efforts to invest in newer plans for serving the region's growing network of airports. At the same time, national tourism boasts have spoken positively about their intent to fill hotels to meet the appetite to experience the Gulf and wider region. The resilience of the travel sector has also been highlighted against the backdrop of the war in Ghaza and simmering tensions in the Red Sea.