Tourism into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has grown considerably in recent years, as the region shifts its focus from oil dependence and continues to rapidly develop its retail, hospitality, entertainment and cultural offerings. As a result, the Middle East is expected to more than double its number of arrivals over the next two decades, from 61 million to 149 million, a growth pattern which is set to continue as more human and capital resources are invested, with the implications for retailers remaining vast.

Last Friday, we held Walpole’s annual AGM – it’s always such a helpful and encouraging opportunity to take stock of what we have been doing on your behalf to promote, protect and develop British luxury.

Walpole yesterday travelled to The Westin Palace in Madrid for the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit, where we hosted a private dinner for Walpole members attending the Summit, as well as representatives from our sister organisations in Europe: Spain’s Circulo Fortuny and Italy’s Altagamma.