Global hotel groups are more aware of cultural nuances in new countries than ever before and Accor's ambitious efforts to create an entirely new experience based on location is one that others will quickly follow.
It's not a surprise that Chinese tourists will be driving arrivals over the next four years, but expectations for substantial growth out of South America and Middle East prove that the U.S. needs to ease visa restrictions and increase marketing worldwide to make the most of the increase.
Luxury brands across all sectors are entering the Middle East to tap into the local and visitor base of high-spending customers. Their online presence is as, if not more, important than their on-the-ground services.
Saudi Arabia has a plan to build up four more colleges as it seeks to strengthen the impact of its tourism sector both in providing jobs and attracting visitors.
Far from sheltering female guests, women-only floors are about giving them a level and particular quality of service that male business travelers have enjoyed forever.
There’s new demand for budget brands in the Middle East as budget and business travel rises, but hotels are still striking the balance between the Gulf’s high standards of hospitality and their usual no-frills service.
Will the success of Dubai and its regional peers nudge Saudi Arabia to open up its much richer sites to outsiders? Or will the kingdom's conservative nature keep its treasures hidden?
The country is still relatively closed off to tourism, but this first baby step will introduce Saudi Arabia to a small taste of what foreigners have to offer.
As the site of the world's most attended event, Saudi Arabia has some catch up to do to make room for all its guests -- especially as the growing wealth of its pilgrims lead them to expect more.