The evolution of global travel trends has made shopping an essential part of tourism for travellers coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. McArthurGlen Designer Outlets operates 22 strategically located centres across Europe, serving as the top shopping destination for customers seeking luxury brands, and great value.
In 2024, visitors from the GCC represented the largest share of McArthurGlen's tax-free sales, demonstrating the importance of the region in luxury retail spending. Shoppers from the GCC have developed a sensitivity to fashion, an understanding of brand legacy, and an appetite for experiences enfolded in style, attention to detail, and smart spending.
With the continued momentum of global travel, the world has developed various new methods to personalise travel experiences, thrusting forward new travel trends. One major shift is towards multigenerational travel. Families are making up for lost time by vacationing together, and shopping is a cross-generational activity everyone can enjoy. 47% of travellers are now opting for multigenerational trips, up 17% from last year[1]. McArthurGlen Designer Outlets’ brand proposition and services are thoughtfully designed to meet both current and emerging travel trends. The brand’s excellence was recently recognized in the Outlet Centre Performance Report Europe (OCPRE) by Ecostra and Magdus, naming its centres among the best in Europe. Designer Outlet Serravalle ranked 1st, while Noventa di Piave (Venice) and Castel Romano (Rome) both secured 8th place. These destinations are perfect for extended families: grandparents relax in cafes or VIP lounges while parents and kids explore over 230 brands. Convenient facilities complete with children’s play areas and even a water park – a unique feature in Designer Outlet Serravalle – make it a secure and inviting space, worthwhile for families taking a break in Europe.
At McArthurGlen destinations like designer outlets Noventa di Piave (Venice) or Castel Romano (Rome), families can spend the day comfortably. With cafes, tourism lounges and the soon-to-open VIP lounge in Rome, the family can unwind while parents and kids explore over 150 luxury stores. Thoughtful features such as children’s play areas and convenient stroller-friendly facilities make it a rewarding, full-day experience for everyone.
In addition to family trips, another notable shift is women-only getaways. Traveling women in all-female groups are discovering the world on their terms. The number of women-only trips has grown tremendously as travel companies targeting women have increased 230% in recent years. In 2024 alone, it was estimated that women would spend $125 billion on travel[2] highlighting their significant impact on the tourism industry. For these travellers, a day of retail therapy is both bonding time and leisure: picture a mother-daughter duo celebrating graduation with a shopping spree in Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny after a visit to Claude Monet's House and Gardens or a group of friends concluding their Roman holiday of sightseeing, art, and history by enjoying a stylish day out in Designer Outlet Castel Romano. The outlets’ blend of luxury boutiques and leisure amenities offers an easy-going, social atmosphere that these groups appreciate.
Another emerging theme is “slow travel” and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) – the trend of savouring experiences at a relaxed pace rather than racing through tourist checklists. Many travellers now purposely skip overcrowded attractions in favour of unhurried, meaningful moments. Expedia reports that 85% of travellers are interested in vacations where they can unplug, and 62% say that peaceful settings help reduce stress[3]. McArthurGlen’s open-air locations align with the trend of slower, more meaningful travel. The beautiful setting and local character infuse a casual shopping experience where culture and leisure are inherent. Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny creates a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Normandy countryside and enjoy the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny—a full day filled with art, nature, and shopping is easily achievable.
To make GCC visitors feel safe and cared for, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets provides a wide variety of personalized services and amenities, including multi-lingual staff, prayer rooms, and family-focused amenities such as play areas, stroller rentals, and wheelchair pathways. Visitors can enjoy hands-free shopping, VIP lounges, and personal styling services. There are instant VAT payment kiosks to facilitate refunds, accessible designs, and halal food options throughout the shopping experience. These amenities combined create a reassuring shopping environment that meets the cultural and practical needs of its visitors.
"The GCC market is of paramount importance to McArthurGlen," remarked Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism. "We are committed to providing our guests from the GCC region with an unparalleled shopping experience that not only meets their luxury and fashion expectations but also resonates with their cultural and experiential preferences."
By embracing what matters to today’s Middle Eastern traveller, McArthurGlen’s designer outlets have become more than just a place to shop – they are a must-stop on the journey. It's this synergy between global travel trends and meaningful local service that sees McArthurGlen positioned as a shopping destination perfectly attuned to the GCC traveller’s changing journey.
