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Arab airlines, airports and tourism officials used World Travel Market London (WTM London), held from 3 to 5 November 2026, to push the recovery of travel, wider air connectivity and the profile of Arab destinations in international markets. Their participation came after a year in which the Iran-related conflict and the airspace closures that came with it affected air traffic in the region.
Ministers’ Summit: UAE and Qatar on Connectivity
The Ministers’ Summit was one of the highlights of the programme. Held on 4 November as part of the summit’s 20th edition, it was organised by WTM, UN Tourism, and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). It brought together about 50 tourism ministers, officials and private-sector leaders to discuss the resilience and future of tourism in the face of recent challenges.
The impact of the Iran-related conflict on tourism in the region was among the main topics, alongside air connectivity.
H.E. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji at a panel discussion during WTM London. Handout: WTM London.
Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, took part in the summit, where the discussions covered the recovery of Qatar’s aviation sector after the conflict. According to coverage of the summit, flight load factors had returned to February levels by August, and the Qatari official said his country would not go back to fully closing its airspace if it happened again.
Hamad Ali Al-Khater, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, said in September that the airline had recovered between 90% and 95% of the previous year’s passenger numbers, and that it will take delivery of 138 new aircraft over the next five years. On the promotional side, Visit Qatar attended with a delegation of 40 partners, and Qatar Tourism joined the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to strengthen its co-operation with the travel and tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, speaks at WTM London. Handout: WTM London.
For the UAE, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said it was important to expand the air connectivity network, develop infrastructure and legislation, and accelerate digital transformation. He told the summit that air connectivity is a vital artery for tourism and the economy, and that diversifying markets and air routes makes the sector better able to withstand crises.
Saudi Aviation: Premium Cabins and Global Routes
Saudia unveiled Premium Economy seats at the show, a new class between economy and business, offering up to 43 inches of pitch and a 15.5-inch entertainment screen. The class will be available on the Boeing 787s joining its fleet in 2027, and then on selected Airbus A330s, Boeing 777s and 787s in its current fleet.
The airline also showcased the business-class cabin of its Airbus A321XLR, making Saudia the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate the aircraft type. The aircraft has 24 business-class suites with fully flat beds and direct aisle access, plus 120 economy seats.
Ahmed Al-Brahim, Chief Executive of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, spoke at a panel session titled “Destination Appeal: Crafting Experiences Worth Travelling For” on the role of air connectivity in supporting the National Tourism Strategy. He said the programme had developed about 93 air routes linking the world with the kingdom since 2022, in partnership with more than 22 airlines.
The Saudi Land pavilion on the first day of WTM London. Handout: Saudi Tourism Authority.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Minister of Tourism, said the sector had shown resilience in 2026, with the kingdom welcoming about 61.2m tourists in the first half of the year. He spoke as he opened the Saudi Land pavilion, which brought together 37 tourism partners, and confirmed the kingdom’s aim to welcome 150m tourists by 2030.
Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan Showcase Tourism
The Bahrain pavilion brought together ten exhibitors, including Gulf Air and Exhibition World Bahrain, as well as hotels, resorts and destination management companies.
Gulf Air representatives at the Bahrain Pavilion during WTM London. Handout: Gulf Air.
Syrian Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salhani led his country’s delegation to London, while Lebanese Tourism Minister Laura Lahoud met representatives of European low-cost airlines on the sidelines of the show to discuss bringing them to Lebanon, counting on the new airport in Tripoli, which is expected to open in November.
Lebanese Minister of Tourism Laura Lahoud visits the Lebanon pavilion during WTM London. Handout: Ministry of Tourism – Lebanon.
Al-Salhani spoke of Syria’s ambition to become one of the leading Mediterranean destinations by 2035 and called for a review of the travel risk rating applied to the country. Syria, Lebanon and Jordan are discussing the idea of a joint tourist visa allowing visitors to travel to all three countries.
Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia Target British Tourists
Morocco stood out with its air connectivity figures for Britain: eight airlines link 12 British airports with eight Moroccan destinations. Scheduled seat capacity for summer 2026 and winter 2026-2027 reached about 1.97m seats, up 7%. British tourist arrivals reached 995,663 by the end of August, also up 7%, and the Moroccan National Tourist Office’s pavilion brought together 47 participants across 850 square metres.
Officials outside the “Meet Egypt” pavilion during WTM London. Handout: WTM London.
The Arab presence at the show shows that competition for tourists is no longer only about promoting destinations. It also depends on countries’ ability to provide regular flights, diversify markets and routes, and improve airports and the passenger experience. These factors matter more as the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) forecasts a 10.3% fall in demand for Arab airlines in 2026, with their operating surplus in 2025 turning into an operating deficit estimated at about 2.7%.
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