Forbes magazine/ Arab leaders in tourism, travel: CEO of Air Algérie ranked 34th far ahead of his counterparts of Maghreb countries’ airlines
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Forbes magazine has released its ranking of the 100 Arab leaders in tourism and travel for the year 2023. The CEO of Air Algérie, Yacine Benslimane, has been ranked 34th, far ahead of his counterparts from the airlines of the Maghreb countries.
The 2023 list includes the most influential leaders in the region’s travel and tourism industries. Hospitality companies and hotels and resorts dominate with 59 entries, followed by aviation (airlines and airports) with 31 entries. This year, there are also eight entries from tourism authorities. Leaders from over 33 nationalities feature on the list, with Emiratis leading with 16 entries, followed by 12 Saudis and 10 British nationals.
The ranking reflects the resumption of the flow of travelers to Arab countries after the fluctuations induced by the health crisis.
According to a UNWTO report, the tourism sector globally recovered 63% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022, with the Middle East recovering 83% of its pre-pandemic visitor numbers. The contribution of travel and tourism to the Middle East’s GDP grew by 46.9% in 2022 compared to 2021, at a value of $107 billion, while Middle Eastern airlines witnessed a 157.4% increase in traffic in 2022 compared to 2021, with capacity surging by 73.8%, according to IATA.
Traffic to the Gulf countries, in particular, is favored by many factors. Dubai has become a favorite tourist destination, along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Abu Dhabi, which are investing large budgets in the development of their tourism.
The sporting events organized in the region have also contributed to increasing the number of foreign visitors. The Formula 1 Grand Prix organized by Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia; the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar… are examples of this.
Air Algérie has received recognition from Forbes Magazine for its outstanding efforts in the aviation industry. This prestigious ranking is a testament to the airline’s commitment to excellence and dedication to providing exceptional service to its customers.
Air Algérie has been making significant strides in recent years, investing in new technologies and expanding its fleet to better serve its passengers. The airline has also been recognized for its commitment to safety, with a strong focus on training and compliance with international standards.
Link to Forbes magazine’s article:
