Yango Ads, the advertising technology arm of Yango Group, spotlighted how data-driven marketing and AI tools are reshaping travel and hospitality strategies in emerging markets at its flagship Yango Ads Live: The Next Destination forum.
According to Yango Ads’ latest report, 48% of surveyed travellers said targeted ad campaigns influence their choice of destinations, underscoring the growing impact of precision advertising in tourism. The forum emphasized AI-powered recommendations, hyper-localized content, and real-time search insights as key factors in converting intent into bookings — particularly ahead of the UAE’s peak winter travel season, when arrivals last December alone topped 5.2 million in just two weeks.
Speakers highlighted differences in planning behaviour: 60% of travellers from emerging markets plan trips two to three months in advance, compared with up to a year in Europe and the US. This shift, they said, makes campaign timing crucial around events such as Eid, the Dubai Shopping Festival, and cultural festivals.
“AI-powered insights and precision targeting are helping hospitality brands deliver the personalised experiences today’s travellers expect, turning inspiration into bookings and loyalty,” said Malika Kennedy, Chief Business Development Officer, Yango Ads MEA.
Industry voices, including experts from airlines, hotels, and tourism boards, stressed the importance of balancing automation with personalisation to build trust. Anna Yastrebova of Dubai Tourism noted that collaboration between airlines, hoteliers, and technology partners was vital to sustaining Dubai’s position as a global tourism hub.
Looking ahead, Yango Ads forecasts sustained demand growth in the UAE, driven by premium experiences, sustainability, and digital personalisation. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting hospitality partners with AI-powered targeting, agile campaigns, and GCC expansion.
