ATM: Secrets of the Gulf outbound travel market
A study unveiled at Arabian Travel Market indicates that among Gulf travellers, Qataris are highest spenders abroad with daily average of US$4,100 followed by citizens of Saudi Arabia US$3,360 and UAE $3,280
The study, authored by Sunil Malhotra, senior lecturer at the Emirates Aviation College, interviewed 2,500 GCC nationals about their travel habits over a 12-month period from January to December 2011.
Malhotra surveyed a broad demographic of GCC nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
He focused on 20 criteria from travel spend and favoured class of travel to destination-specific preferences and decision-maker identification, to present a detailed picture of GCC residents’ habits.
The breakdown of spend across all GCC nationalities includes 54% allocated to airfares (across all classes of travel), 18% on accommodation, 9% on dining and 5% on car rental.
Compared to the rest of the world, GCC nationals spend 260% more on airfares and 430% on accommodation, but 13% less on car rental.
"The class of travel is also important, with 40% of Qataris interviewed opting for first class, and between 40-60% of all GCC nationals booking business class," said Malhotra.
Decision makers also differ across the region and the six Gulf countries are split into two clear camps, with the wife usually choosing the destination in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, while the male head of household has the final say in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
"Cultural experiences and family-focus are the two most important factors when planning travel, with 40% of survey respondents looking at taking an extended three to four-week trip in the next 12 months," said Malhotra.
Ian Jarrett
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