Forbes Middle East has released its first ranking of the region’s Top 50 Travel and Tourism Leaders, recognizing the industry heavyweights driving growth and creating opportunities for visitors and passengers to reconnect with the world.
Among the top five executives, four serve in the aviation sector led by Mr. Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group, who tops the ranking. The Group recorded revenues of $6.7 billion in the first half of the 2021-2022 financial year. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO and Executive Board Member of Qatar Airways, and Mr. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, complete the top three.
The leaders featured on this list represent nine countries in the region. The UAE reigns as the top country for regional headquarters, with 24 of the 50 executives based in the emirates. Saudi comes in second with 11 featured executives, followed by four from Egypt. With 26 entries, hotels and hospitality is the most well-represented industry, followed by aviation with 17 entries, and tourism with 7 entries.
From global agency representatives to sustainable development game-changers, the leaders on this list are driving growth in MENA. In May 2021, Mr. Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), inaugurated UNWTO’s first regional office in the Middle East in Riyadh.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sandeep Walia, CCO Middle East of Marriott International, added 20 new properties to the region’s portfolio in 2021 and plans to open around 25 new properties this year. And the OMRAN Group, led by CEO Mr. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, announced in early 2022 that it will be investing $62.3 million in opening a DusitD2 Naseem Resort.
To develop the list, Forbes Middle East looked at the size of the business, including revenues and the value of investments and assets, ownership of assets, and the experience, designation, and achievements of the business leader. All individuals had to be based in the Middle East.
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