The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) organised a week-long roadshow with senior management from a number of select prestigious member properties from across the world last week.

The roadshow visited multiple GCC countries, kicking off in Riyadh, and moving on to Jeddah, Kuwait City, Doha and Abu Dhabi, before culminating in a dinner at the Palace Downtown in Dubai on October 13, which closed off the week.

The event was hosted by Hatem Chatter, LHW’s senior director for the Middle East and senior management from some of the most luxurious and renowned properties around the globe and included a series of public events, presentations and meetings with regional industry leaders and VIPs for the visiting members. The attendees list for the closing dinner in Dubai as well comprised of VIP clientele, including some of the most well-known and affluent personalities from the UAE, press and key members of the industry.

Chatter said: “We have witnessed a phenomenal spike in the number of Middle Eastern travellers to Europe this year. The four most popular LHW European destinations have jointly posted an average increase of 48.5 per cent in visitors as compared to last year’s figures: France – 66 per cent, Switzerland – 35 per cent, UK – 23 per cent, Sweden – 70 per cent, making it very clear that the affluent Middle Eastern traveller is always on the lookout for uncommon and exclusive experiences. This makes the market a prime interest for elite establishment operators around the globe.”

He added: “This event has been organised to allow the frequent luxury travelers from the region an opportunity to interact with the minds responsible for the magnificent experiences offered by their favourite and frequently visited hotels. Furthermore, it is also an effort to encourage them to look beyond their traditional vacation spots and explore new locations that will satisfy the ‘Curious’ traveler within them.” - TradeArabia News Service