Middle East money is set to launch London as a new “luxury hotspot” for travel services, it was revealed.

Companies from that part of the world are expressing a growing interest in UK brands including luxury hotels, private jet operators and travel retailers, according to a global trends report.

Possible top targets for Middle East businessmen are London luxury hotels the Savoy, Grosvenor House and Claridge’s, said the report from market intelligence company Euromonitor International.

The report added: “At a time when the recession has severely curbed domestic demand, ­Middle East cash funds will certainly positively influence the expansion of luxury brand portfolios in the UK, with London positioning itself as the new luxury hotspot for luxury travel services with an increased focus on personalisation and sophistication.”

World Travel Market chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “Some of the UK’s most iconic travel and tourism brands, particularly the top-end hotels, could soon be owned by Middle Eastern companies.

“This investment and the increase in tourism from the region will undoubtedly fuel a much-needed boost for the UK travel and tourism industry as it looks to recover from the recent global financial problems.”

The trends report said that there was a growth of “deprivation holidays” in North America, where consumers enrol in boot camp-style spa resorts or go on extreme trekking expeditions.

Another trend is the move towards astronomy-based holidays in South Africa, while tourism in Europe was being boosted by the number of people using smartphones to make last-minute bookings.

The report said Latin America was promoting off-the-beaten-track trips in contrast to sea-and-sand holidays.