As the Gulf’s travel industry gears up for record-breaking years ahead, a new report by Atiom, a Hub71-based startup, is turning heads in the hospitality world. The report focuses on a powerful question: What do travelers from the GCC actually want from hotels in 2025?
And the answer? It’s not what you’d expect. While comfort and luxury are still appreciated, personalized service, cultural connection, and seamless technology now rank at the top. In a region where hospitality is deeply embedded in tradition, this evolution is reshaping everything from hotel design to guest relations.
Why This Report Matters
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman — are home to some of the world’s most frequent and discerning travelers. In 2025, these guests are more mobile, more digitally connected, and more focused on experiences over extravagance.
Atiom’s research isn’t just theory — it reflects what real travelers are saying and feeling. And it gives hotels in the region (and globally) a clear roadmap for the future.
Key Insights from Atiom’s 2025 Hospitality Report
1. Guests Want Connection, Not Just Comfort
Forget robotic “Good evenings.” GCC guests now prioritize genuine service — a smile that feels real, a staff member who remembers their name, and hotel teams that actually listen. Hospitality is no longer about protocol — it’s about presence.
2. Tech Should Be Invisible — and Perfect
Digital check-ins, app-based room service, and smart lighting aren’t new — but they must be flawlessly integrated. GCC travelers don’t want a learning curve on vacation. They expect fast, intuitive tools that make their stay smoother without becoming the main event.
The key? Balance. Hotels need to offer modern convenience without losing human warmth.
3. Local Culture Matters More Than Ever
Today’s traveler doesn’t just want to visit a place — they want to feel it. GCC guests increasingly expect hotels to reflect the spirit of the destination, whether through interior design, food options, curated activities, or even staff uniforms.
Hotels that embrace their local identity stand out — and guests notice.
4. Personalization Is the New Luxury
It’s not about gold-plated bathtubs anymore. It’s about thoughtful, tailored service that reflects personal preferences. From pillow types to prayer mats to dining styles, GCC travelers value subtle customization that makes them feel at home.
But the best personalization is respectful and discreet — not invasive.
A Wake-Up Call for the Hospitality Industry
Atiom’s findings send a clear message: Hotels can’t afford to treat GCC travelers like a generic group. These guests are digitally savvy, globally aware, and deeply rooted in their own cultural expectations.
For hotel managers and operators, the challenge is to balance modernity with authenticity, and technology with human warmth. That means:
- Investing in staff training
- Using data responsibly to customize services
- Creating environments that reflect local values and aesthetics
- Hiring teams that understand GCC hospitality expectations
Tourism in the GCC: A Rising Global Power
The timing of this report aligns with major tourism investments across the region. From Qatar’s cruise tourism surge to Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and the UAE’s expanding event calendar, the GCC is no longer just a stopover — it’s a destination.
And travelers from the region are leading the charge.
According to industry data, GCC nationals spend more on travel and hospitality than nearly any other global demographic. But they also expect more in return — not just luxury, but meaningful service.
Final Thoughts
Atiom’s research gives hotel owners and hospitality brands a rare gift: a clear understanding of what tomorrow’s guest expects — today.
In 2025, success won’t be measured by how big your hotel is or how many stars you have. It’ll come down to how well you connect — how you treat people, how you personalize their experience, and how seamlessly you help them feel at home in a place that isn’t.
This is what GCC travelers want. And this is where the future of hospitality is heading.
BM Events Hospitality provider
At BM Events, we specialize in providing professional event staffing solutions that enhance every guest experience — from luxury hotels and resorts to large-scale exhibitions and private events. As a trusted manpower agency in the GCC, we understand the unique service expectations of GCC travelers. Our customized hospitality staffing solutions ensure that your team is well-trained, culturally aware, and prepared to deliver exceptional service at every touchpoint.
