GCC travellers go the tech way

RITIKA SHARMA / Emirates Business

Gone are days when holidays meant just an escape from the world without any communication back home or office. With technology taking strides in almost everything around us, travel is no more an ‘out-of-sight out-of-mind’ case. From seeking a one-time experience during holidays to the era of instant feedbacks and reviews, things have changed a lot in the hospitality industry on both the sides — the travellers and the hosts.
Ali Al Baker, Publisher & Managing Editor, Curiosity Middle East, a high-end publication on travel industry in the region, told Emirates Business, “Technology is a huge priority for the new generation of travellers as it continues to change the rules of hospitality industry like never before. Travel consumers today want instant and seamless connectivity across all platforms, mobility, flexibility and easy real-time access to information, speedy and efficient bookings, fast check-ins and check-outs, up-do-date in-room entertainment as well as smart dining, leisure and business solutions.”
A Saudi and US national, Al Baker who is regarded as an industry expert when it comes to luxury hospitality industry in the region says that technology is an inseparable a part of hospitality in today’s world. He also believes that hotels in the region,
especially in Saudi Arabia and UAE are doing pretty well in the changing scenarios.
According to industry reports, online travel market is expected to almost double in value within the next two years, rising from US$18 billion to US$35 billion by 2018.
Giving a word of caution to the hotels industry in the region, Al Baker said, “Hotels have got to keep pace with these latest and coolest trends no matter how expensive because what is cutting-edge technology today may be passé in six months. Strong presence on mobile (digital and social) technology is the key to acquire and retain new generation of travelers. Technology empowered customers to compel big hospitality chains to ‘listen’ and pay greater
attention to what their customers want, since the guest reviews and
ratings play a major role in customer choices.”
Mentioning about the technological advancements that hotel in the region have seen, Diwan Giriraj, a Dubai-based frequent traveller and a travel blogger told Emirates Business, “There are not many regions in the world that are moving as fast as technology is. But GCC countries are setting examples. The industry leaders here are so active that they are always on their toes, any technology is onboard, as soon as it is out. This is
possibly the reason why despite oil price slumps the hospitality industry is doing well.”