The Middle East registered a 9 per cent growth in outbound travel numbers last year, making it the fastest growing outbound market, a report showed.

The global luxury travel sector, of which outbound travel forms a huge component, also showed the strongest growth amongst all tourism and travel sectors, going up 48 per cent over the last five years, according to a special study of the World Travel Monitor conducted by IPK International.

In comparison, all other travel and tourism grew by 24 per cent during the same time period, it said.

Drawing attention to the growing potential of these sectors, the upcoming fourth annual Mice Arabia Congress in Dubai next month will see luxury travel, Mice and business travel from the Middle East discussed as key hot topics.

Organized by QnA International, the event will run on March 1 and 2 at the Palazzo Versace, Dubai.

The schedule of topics at the Mice Arabia Congress 2016 will be in line with local, regional and global trends and challenges in the Mice and luxury travel sectors.

Speaking on particular preferences amongst Middle East outbound travellers, Freddy Farid, area general manager, Gloria Hotels & Resorts –a sponsor and participant at the event, said: “Luxury travellers from the Middle East region seek bespoke services, from culinary excellence to state-of-the-art technology, and spacious accommodation located within strategic locations in the city.”

Mikhail Tyurin, executive director, Maikhao Dream Hotel & Resorts- a sponsor and participant at the upcoming event, said: “We expect the Mice and luxury travel market from the Middle East to double over the next five years for Phuket as the destination becomes more popular within the Middle East market.”

UAE is the second biggest market for outbound travel from the Middle East, surpassed by Saudi Arabia. The luxury outbound travellers are a combination of locals and expats from the region and are usually aged below 35 and are high-income earners that embark on long-haul luxury trips.

“With luxury and Mice travel from the GCC increasing at an incredibly fast pace, the Mice Arabia Congress will provide a perfect platform for suppliers to network with and meet premium Mice and luxury travel representatives,’’ said Sidh N C, director, QnA International on the relevance of the MICE Arabia Congress. – TradeArabia News Service