Given the recent technological advancements in the travel and tourism sector and rising online trends in Saudi Arabia, the sector shows some interesting trends for companies looking to connect with consumers.
As per the ‘Middle East Consumer Travel Report 2018’, a study co-sponsored by Amadeus and commissioned by InsightOut Consultancy, the Middle East travel market is diverse when it comes to travel patterns.
While value is a key driver in travel decisions, more people admit to being more influenced by friends, family and colleagues (53%) than by search engines and review sites (47%) or actual travel agents (31%).
The research confirms that more travelers in the Middle East will compare elements such as flights by themselves online (45%), instead of going to a travel agent to compare similar products and services (34%). Similarly, 64 percent of corporate travelers prefer to search, book and pay online for business trips; more than those who depend on their company or a travel agent (30% and 6%, respectively).
“We are pleased with the significant rise in the consumer’s online travel trend in the region and as the industry continues to evolve, we will continue the deliver the latest cutting-edge technology dedicate to alter the shape of the travel industry in the region. This also falls under our mandate to serve the growth of the travel industry in line with the ambitious plans of the Kingdom and the Saudi Vision 2030’s valuable efforts,” said Eng. Nashat Bukhari, General Manager of Amadeus Saudi Arabia.
Some of the highlights from the report include:
#1. Travelers from Riyadh showed an increase in mobile bookings in the Kingdom with 32 percent followed by Jeddah with 31 percent
#2. More than 40 percent of travelers in the region organize their trips online
#3. One in three (33%) travelers today ‘actively search’ for discounts online during the shopping process recorded growth in the travel and tourism industry by 14 percent in 2017
#4. 57 percent of travelers in the region book their flight fares only a week prior to their travel dates
