Expedia data shows the number of travellers visiting the UAE from Europe is on the increase
The number of travellers visiting the UAE from Europe is on the rise, according to the latest data compiled by Expedia Group.
The data for the fourth quarter of 2018 showed the top 10 markets into the UAE included the UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, China and Sweden.
According to the research, while travelers from the US topped the list for travel into the country in the last three months of the year, European travelers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy and Sweden contributed about 30 percent of the room nights in the UAE.
Expedia said this significant increase from Europe can be contributed to the increase in mid-market hotels in the UAE, pricing, extra flights to Europe and comparative fares.
It added that millennials, who are currently at the prime of their spending and decision-making years, are influencing trends across industries including the travel industry. There has been a rise in the number of millennials travelling to the UAE. Trends also reveal corporate travellers from Europe are now on a budget when travelling.
The research noted that travel from the UK can be contributed to the UAE’s strong trade relations with UK, with the UAE the fifth largest trading partner for the UK.
According to Expedia Group’s data, there was an overall rise in demand for package bookings in Q4. The US led room night share of package demand at just above 30 percent, an increase of over 55 percent compared to 2017.
This was followed by UK at just above 15 percent, up 15 percent when compared to the same period in 2017. Chinese travellers, once again, showed one of the highest year-on-year increases in demand for package travel into the UAE, with an increase of over 190 percent.
The report also showed that Indian package demand increased just under 45 percent year on year.
Paula De Keijzer, senior director market management Middle East, Africa, Greece & Turkey at Lodging Partner Services, Expedia Group said: “As seen from the recent findings, the UAE continues to be a tourist hotspot for European travelers.
"This growth could be driven by various factors introduced into the region including an increase in air capacity, rise in business opportunities, strategic marketing tie-ups and promotional activities, etc. All these factors could be adding to the appeal of the UAE to European visitors”.
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