The Middle East's tourism and hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented growth fuelled by strategic investments, visionary leadership, and a commitment to excellence. In recent years, the region has become one of the world's most sought-after travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East is projected to contribute approximately $250 billion to the region's GDP by 2025, reflecting a robust annual growth rate of around 5.5%.

In 2022, the Middle East welcomed over 27 million international tourists, marking a significant recovery from the pandemic's impact. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are leading the charge, with major initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and diversifying offerings. The UAE aims to attract 25 million visitors annually by 2025, supported by ambitious projects like Expo 2020 Dubai and a growing array of luxury and adventure tourism experiences.

The hospitality sector is equally thriving, with hotel occupancy rates in key cities exceeding 70% as the region gears up for a new era of travel. The expansion of airline networks and the introduction of innovative hospitality concepts further enhance the Middle East's appeal as a premier destination. With the commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, the industry is evolving to meet the changing demands of travellers while promoting economic growth.

Hozpitality proudly presents its list of the Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders, showcasing the outstanding achievements of executives who have made significant contributions to this vibrant industry. This esteemed group comprises influential figures from airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and hospitality management firms. Through their strategic vision and relentless commitment to excellence, these leaders have enhanced connectivity and accessibility, facilitated the movement of millions of travellers and promoted the region as a prime destination for both leisure and business.

Selected through a public voting process, these leaders represent a diverse array of expertise and organizational backgrounds, each playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and economic growth in the hospitality sector. Their dedication to fostering innovation and operational excellence has not only propelled their respective organizations forward but has also contributed to the overall prosperity of the Middle East's tourism landscape.

Here are the recognized leaders in alphabetical order:

- Adel Abdullah Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Air Arabia

- Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO, Emirates Airline & Group

- Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah International Airport Authority

- Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Minor International

- Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group

- Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO, Qatar Airways Group

- Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director, Middle East at United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

- Cenk Ünverdi, Chief Operating Officer, Rixos Hotels and AIC

- Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

- Duncan O'Rourke, CEO Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia-Pacific | Premium, Midscale & Economy at Accor

- Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports

- Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)

- Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai

- Guenter H Gebhard, Regional Vice President, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

- Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Hotels

- Haitham Mattar, Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts

- Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing

- Kamil Al-Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kuwait Airways, Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East at International Air Transport Association (IATA)

- Mark Kirby, Chief Operating Officer - Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group

- Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek

- Mohamed Awadalla, Chief Executive Officer, TIME Hotels

- Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports

- Pawan Kachroo, MD, Khamas Hospitality

- Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

- Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

- Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer Middle East, Marriott International

- Simon Casson, Chief Executive Officer, Corinthia Hotels Limited

- Sultan Al-Otaibi, CEO, Dur Hospitality

- Tim Cordon, CEO, Radisson Hotel Group

- Tyrone Reid, Group CEO for MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail