The adoption of different travel trends by McArthurGlen, all alike in catering to GCC travelers, from stylish open-air shopping centers to cultural inclusivity.
Today’s travelers are not like the past ones. They demand detailed itineraries and trendy vacations. The force is in the details, however. How comfortable, meaningful, convenient, and personalized a destination is, decides whether it will enjoy great returns of tourists.
Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are fans of shopping abroad. And that’s exactly what McArthurGlen Designer Outlets delivers.
With 22 centers strategically spread across Europe, McArthurGlen has a deep bench. It is a go-to shopping destination for luxury-seeking travelers on a roll. In fact, GCC visitors made up the largest share of McArthurGlen’s tax-free sales in 2024, highlighting how shopping is still the trendiest element of the GCC travel culture.
These outlets are family-friendly, cultural, and beautifully designed spaces that come very close to nailing the idea of a perfect travel destination in 2025.
Shopping That Brings Generations Together
The McArthurGlen Designer Outlets target one of the strongest travel trends right now – multigenerational travel. Joint vacations have reentered the lives of families that once delayed vacations due to global events. Now, they are planning itineraries together. By this, we mean grandparents, parents, or young kids – everyone traveling together. In fact, 47% of travelers now choose multigenerational trips, a 17% increase from last year.
McArthurGlen takes aim at this travel trend by centers like Designer Outlet Serravalle, which was recently ranked #1 in the Outlet Centre Performance Report Europe, (OCPRE), by Ecostra and Magdus. While parents and teens are totally engrossed in their favorite fashion finds among 230+ brands, grandparents can enjoy a nice viewing experience and coffee at the cafés or VIP lounges. The kids? They will be surprised by how entertaining the safe play areas are. There is even a water park in Serravalle that makes it an all-day entertainment for extended families.
Other destinations like Noventa di Piave near Venice and Castel Romano near Rome also draw inspiration from Serravalle’s outlet, providing stroller-friendly paths, plenty of seating options, and, coming very soon, a VIP lounge in Rome.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlets Know What Women Travelers Want
Another growing travel trend is women-only travel. In 2024 alone, it was estimated that women-only travelers would spend $125 billion on travel.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, like the Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny and Castel Romano, stock the best luxury labels and Italian fashion brands that women can’t get enough of. But it’s how they employ relaxed and stylish amenities that actually deliver an absolutely fascinating experience for women only. Spacious lounges, scenic surroundings, and high-end brands are some of the reasons why these open-air shopping centers vibe with women-only travelers.
Slow Travel and JOMO
The McArthurGlen Designer destinations are also entering the world of “slow travel” and JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out. Many travelers believe that a stressful tour isn’t necessarily a successful tour, and are adopting slow traveling and JOMO – which enables them to soak up fewer places, but more intimately.
According to Expedia, 85% of travelers are drawn to slower vacations, and 62% say peaceful settings help them unwind.
McArthurGlen’s Designer Outlets fits in its place with open-air centers that don’t block you but also shield you from the chaos of big cities, while still keeping close to major cultural attractions. At Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny, multiple boutiques are nestled in the stunning Normandy countryside. So, while you’re here, you can even spend some time in the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny.
GCC-Friendly in Every Sense of The Word
For McArthurGlen, the GCC market is one of the most important target audiences.
This is why these designer outlets, from virtue to luxury items, do everything to please their guests from the Middle East. The idea of personalization – no matter how big or small and detailed it is – reignites the respect and loyalty of these GCC market shoppers. Multi-lingual staff, prayer rooms, and halal dining options are some of those amenities that let these shoppers know “Yes, we care about you.”
Other thoughtful services include:
- Stroller and wheelchair rentals
- Hands-free shopping
- VIP lounges and tourism desks
- Instant VAT refund kiosks
- Personal shopping and styling services
With this level of comfort, McArthurGlen represents competence and care. This level of comfort also makes these designer outlets the perfect destination for large groups or first-time international visitors.
“The GCC market is of paramount importance to McArthurGlen,” says 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.”
That’s the kind of momentum that McArthurGlen is staring into now. Spearheading luxury brands, family-friendly design, and cultural inclusivity. Being consistently ranked among Europe’s top outlet destinations, and with more expansions on the way – including recent additions like Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny and new phases for centers in Vancouver, West Midlands, Málaga, and Roosendaal, McArthurGlen will ultimately prove to be the most thoughtful and well-intentioned designer outlets for GCC’s travelers.
A Bit About McArthurGlen
Back in 1993, McArthurGlen was founded, and now lives as a pioneer in the designer outlet space across Europe.
Shopping enthusiasts across Europe know a McArthurGlen designer outlet when they see one. The group currently operates 23 outlets in 8 countries – from Austria to the Netherlands – and boasts an annual turnover of €5.5 billion. In 2013, McArthurGlen became a joint venture between Kaempfer Partners and the global retail leader, Simon Property Group. Their centers serve nearly 100 million visitors annually, pivoting to fashion-forward brands in beautifully designed, outdoor environments that make sure that shopping isn’t an ordinary experience for any traveler.
