Skift hold

Supported by Skift’s editorial expertise, Skift Global Forum East returns to Dubai on November 19-20 to bring together travel leaders and industry experts as we explore key global travel trends, including key points from the point of view of those involved in tourism, hospitality, aviation, experiences, etc. .

Brian Quinn

Two days of connections and ideas

Skift Global Forum East will begin on November 19 with the opening reception taking place at Address Grand Creek Harbour, followed by a day of full forum discussions on November 20 at Address Sky View.

Here we will explore how evolving source markets, experience-driven consumer demand, regional air connectivity, data and AI innovations, luxury travel trends and the impact of tourism are reshaping the travel industry.

Curious about what to expect at the event? View the full agenda here.

Agenda and topic overview:

Taking Dubai’s future to new heights

Hoor Al KhajaSenior Vice President of International Operations at the Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, will share the next phase of Dubai as a liveable city and global destination, revealing DET’s approach to continuous reinvention, looking au- beyond luxury, keeping sustainability at the forefront, and more.

A golden age for the hotel industry throughout the region

Guy HutchinsonPresident for the Middle East and Africa at Hilton and Skift, Sean O’Nell, Chief Hospitality Editor, will outline the opportunities and challenges ahead for hotels as the region grows, as well as the The expansion of chains across the region to accommodate an ever-expanding traveler profile.

A dynamic travel landscape

Our Editor-in-Chief Dennis Schaal will speak with Carlo Olejniczakvice president and general manager of EMEA at Reservation.com to dive into the consumer behaviors and trends it’s seeing across the region, how Booking is increasingly using AI, and what providers can do to adapt to customers’ ever-changing needs.

Rethinking the next era of luxury

The needs of luxury travelers are constantly evolving. Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier and Sean O’Neill, Skift’s senior hospitality editor, to dive into the changing face of luxury travel, how service and workforce can keep up, the power of wellness and creating “experiential hospitality” offerings that attract guests.

The final frontier of travel: bringing the extremes of space tourism within reach

As travel reaches extremes, space tourism looms on the horizon. Skift Editor-in-Chief will speak with Roman Chiporukha, founder of Space VIP, whose platform will offer a wide range of these attractive space experiences for wealthy travelers looking for a rare but close opportunity.

Charting an ambitious path forward

Since taking the helm as CEO of flyadeal, Steven Greenway has charted an ambitious course to match Saudi plans to become a global tourism hub. We will see how the local LCC sees a greater diversity of travelers. the network’s growth plans and how Steve will navigate an airline landscape that is both competitive and complementary.

What’s next for Asia’s future

We will meet one of Asia’s most recognizable entrepreneurs, Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and founder of AirAsia, to hear insights into the airline’s ambitious growth strategy that is transforming not only Kuala Lumpur, but also on how these investments meet the growing demand for travel. the hub develops the connection between East and West. With a vision of expanding the airline’s reach to over 100 destinations in 2025, Tony will speak about the power of aviation to drive tourism, commerce and connectivity.

Founders’ journey: ideas shaping the future of travel:

Building a business takes ambition, and since there is a need for many more new product creators in the travel space, we’ll look at the journeys of three unique entrepreneurs in the travel industry. Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit will speak to the founders of FlyAkeed, ENVi Lodges, And DHARMA to dive into funding avenues, how B2B and B2C approaches are often essential, and how they balance growth in the face of many obstacles.

Expanding Opportunities in India

India is booming. Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express will join Skifts Asia Editor-in-Chief Peden Bhutia to discuss the vast opportunities in the Indian outbound travel market, what Air India Express has planned and how the Middle East can benefit.

The crucial role of short-term rentals

Like Skift did coveredShort-term and vacation rentals are on the rise in Dubai and across the region. We will hear A perfect group Mahwussh Alam, Group CEO and Managing Director of Dubai at Blue backgroundNina Klishevich, to examine how rentals play an important role in the travel ecosystem across the GCC, the impact of regulation on hosts in the coming years and what lies ahead as the sector no longer is only just beginning.

A new era for luxury experience and entertainment

Jim Murren, CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will join Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill for a discussion not only on the dynamism of the offshore luxury category, but also Jim’s overall views on the future of hospitality and entertainment at as the market evolves.

How the region is adapting

For a general overview of the region’s growth, as well as Jordan’s future in capturing the imagination of travelers entering the region, we’ll hear Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, to learn more about his tourism growth strategies after recently returning to the role, his vision for marketing to travelers in this new era, the impact of the Jordan Pass on the country’s attractions and what is needed so that destinations remain competitive.

Don’t miss these discussions and many more from Dubai Airports, Google, Almosafer, Red Sea Global, Collinson International, Qiddiya, and others, all this happens throughout our Forum.

Join us in Dubai on November 20

Like the final agenda And speakers are confirmed, don’t miss the region’s biggest and most anticipated travel event: get your pass today. Visit the official event page for more details.

Register now to guarantee your place and save before the last chance price ends!