The China Visitors Summit (CVS) successfully concluded in Dubai and Riyadh last month with 107 Chinese travel industry buyers from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, who met with over 250 travel suppliers across the region.
Alexander Glos, CEO, China Visitors Summit, said: “As travel continues to recover post-pandemic, the CVS served as a bridge between Chinese travel buyers and key Middle Eastern destinations. This summit not only highlighted the growing importance of the Chinese market but also underscored the strategic significance of the Middle East as a premier destination for Chinese travellers in the years ahead.”
The scale and structure of the event reflected the growing demand for Middle Eastern destinations among Chinese travellers. Nearly 14,000 face-to-face meetings were held during the summit, showcasing the depth of interest and commitment from both sides. The collaboration between buyers and suppliers reinforced the Middle East’s position as an attractive and unique destination for Chinese tourists, known for its luxury experiences, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism.
“Both Dubai and Saudi Arabia play crucial roles in shaping the future of Chinese outbound tourism to the Middle East. Dubai, a global hub for luxury travel, shopping, and entertainment, has long been a favourite destination for Chinese tourists. With its high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels, and modern infrastructure, Dubai continues to attract affluent Chinese travellers looking for world-class experiences. The summit in Dubai emphasized the city’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and positioning itself as a key gateway for Chinese tourists exploring the broader Middle Eastern region.”
“Saudi Arabia, however, represents an exciting new frontier for Chinese travellers,” Glos said. “As the Kingdom continues to open up to international tourism as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, the country is positioning itself as a unique destination for cultural, religious, and adventure tourism. The recent CVS in Riyadh showcased the immense potential of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, including its giga-projects like NEOM and AlUla, which offer immersive experiences that align with the preferences of today’s Chinese travellers. By participating in the summit, Chinese travel buyers were given a firsthand glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich history, natural beauty, and future plans for tourism development.”
As China’s outbound travel market continues to recover and expand, destinations that proactively engage with Chinese travellers will stand to benefit the most. The Middle East, with its mix of modern luxury and ancient cultural heritage, is well-positioned to become a major player in the global travel industry.
“Saudi Arabia, in particular, holds immense promise as it continues to develop its tourism infrastructure. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to increase international tourist arrivals, and the Chinese market will undoubtedly be a key focus in this strategy. The recent CVS was a crucial step in promoting Saudi Arabia as a must-visit destination for Chinese travellers, offering a combination of spiritual, cultural, and adventure experiences that are unmatched elsewhere,” said Glos.