Luxury hospitality consultancy Luxury Leads has reported continued growth in its business across the UAE and wider Gulf, with revenue generated during the first eight months of 2026 reaching 77% of its total revenue for the whole of 2025.

Despite challenging operating conditions across the Middle East, the company's overall revenue for the January-August period was 2.5% higher than during the corresponding period last year, highlighting the continued contribution of Gulf travellers to its international luxury hospitality business.

The UAE emerged as the company's strongest source market, with revenue generated from the country by the end of August already exceeding its full-year 2025 performance by 3.2%. The UAE's contribution to Luxury Leads' total revenue also increased significantly, rising from 35.7% in 2025 to 47.9% in 2026.

The figures were announced during the fifth edition of Mamnoun, Luxury Leads' annual luxury travel leadership conference, held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in September. The three-day event brought together more than 80 hotels, resorts and travel partners from around the world to discuss industry developments and strengthen commercial partnerships.

Rohit Gupta, Managing Founder of Luxury Leads, said: “What has stood out this year is the resilience of the Middle Eastern traveller. There have been periods when international travel has become more challenging, but the appetite to travel has remained. The UAE’s travel trade partners have had particularly strong results. To have surpassed our entire 2025 UAE performance by August demonstrates the continued importance of international travel to this market. What we are seeing is a highly experienced traveller who remains committed to travelling and is prepared to adapt when circumstances change.”

GCC revenue expected to grow 14.3%

Growth has also extended to other Gulf markets. By the end of August, Qatar and Bahrain had generated revenue exceeding their respective full-year 2025 totals, while Saudi Arabia continued to record stable performance.

Luxury Leads expects its overall revenue to increase by approximately 10% for the full year, with combined revenue from GCC markets forecast to grow by 14.3% year-on-year.

The company, which specialises in luxury hospitality consulting, sales and marketing, operates through a regional network of more than 300 travel partners and represents a curated portfolio of international hotels and resorts.

During 2026, Luxury Leads expanded its regional footprint, with revenue now generated across nine markets. Lebanon and Egypt were added to its market network during the year, further extending its reach across the Middle East.

European destinations remain key markets

Luxury Leads continues to report strong demand from Gulf travellers for established European luxury destinations, including Monaco, the French Riviera, Sardinia and Lake Como. Milan, Paris, Geneva and Zurich also remain popular, alongside Bodrum in Türkiye.

However, the company has identified changes in travel preferences, with demand increasingly shifting towards coastal properties rather than city-centre hotels. Travellers are also opting for shorter stays and multi-destination itineraries, moving between locations instead of spending their entire holiday in one destination.

Majed Al Qasem, Managing Partner of Luxury Leads, said: “One of the more interesting changes we are seeing is in how Middle Eastern travellers are using their time away. There is still a strong attachment to established European destinations, but increasingly the journey itself is becoming more varied, with shorter stays and multiple destinations rather than spending an entire trip in one place.

“For hotels, this creates an opportunity to think differently about this market. It is not enough simply to offer a luxury product. Understanding how Gulf travellers move between destinations, the importance of family and quality time, and the level of service they expect throughout their journey will become increasingly important in attracting and retaining this market.”

Luxury Leads' portfolio includes independently and family-owned properties such as The Ned Doha in Qatar, Lodge Park Megève and Fouquet’s Courchevel in France, Beau-Rivage Geneva, Beau-Rivage Palace in Switzerland and Portrait Firenze in Italy.

Several hotels within its collection have also been recognised among the World's 50 Best Hotels, including Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Passalacqua on Lake Como, Portrait Milano, Hotel Sacher Vienna and Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz.

Winter travel and 2027 outlook

Looking ahead, Luxury Leads expects the final quarter of 2026 to remain strong, supported by autumn holidays, festive travel and winter getaways, with demand expected to continue into early 2027.

Ski destinations, particularly St. Moritz, are expected to attract continued interest, alongside growing demand for wellness and restorative experiences. The company's portfolio includes Badrutt’s Palace in Switzerland, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and Palazzo Fiuggi in Italy.

Family and intergenerational travel are also expected to remain important market segments, alongside couples and groups of friends travelling during the festive and winter holiday periods.

For 2027, Luxury Leads anticipates continued demand for summer escapes, leisure holidays and wellness experiences, as Gulf travellers maintain their interest in international luxury travel. -TradeArabia News Service