The GCC is home to a vast number of nationalities and hence their preferences, tastes, the idea of an experience and values are so diverse. However, when it comes to outbound travel from the region, there appears to be focus on luxury travel with unique holidays and individual experiences becoming increasingly popular. Exploring the tremendous potential of the luxury travel segment from the Gulf countries, the special edition of the OTC Arabia (Outbound Tourism Conference) conference organised by Dubai-based Gateway Marketing Consultants will bring together the movers and shakers of the international travel world.
Whether it is in the form of flying business, or first class, Gulf countries outbound travellers are thought of as big spenders. In fact, recent reports predict that GCC outbound travellers will spend a whopping US$ 94 billion by 2020, up from the US$ 64 billion they spent in 2015. These figures are expected to reach US$ 140 billion and US$ 216 billion by 2025 and 2030 respectively.
What could be driving the demand for tourism in the oil rich GCC countries? Predictive answers point to high net worth individuals (HNWI’s), strong currency and high spending power. But the travel and hospitality industry too provides another answer, and this is the development of different forms of luxury.
“The trend is to be more exciting, more adventurous as they (travellers from the Middle East) are looking for something new, something that is unique,” says Gioia Valli, Head of MICE GCC, Switzerland Tourism.
To attract outbound tourism from the GCC, various countries will be attending OTC Arabia conference. The addition of “time-efficient and daily non-stop flights to almost all parts of the worldhas dramatically increased accessibility for guests from the GCC.
Direct flights to most destinations are available from different GCC countries. In fact, GCC nationals spend 260% more on airfare with up to 60% purchasing Business Class tickets.
The GCC outbound traveler does have a soft-spot for familiarities other than halal cuisine, and security. This is cultural resonance, and naturistic landscapes. As such, destinations located around the Mediterranean, and not too far away from the region, such as Turkey, tend to be hot options for travel. “Turkey, with its nature, deep history, cultural familiarity, and fusion of east and west, is a good destination for GCC travellers. We believe these are the qualities that the GCC traveler is looking for,” commented LaleEranil, Director, CORMEP.
However, highlighting the intricacies of changing tastes and currents within the GCC outbound market, Pushpa Rao, Managing Director, Over the Horizon, Mauritius, stated that outbound travel from the GCC has changed over the years with guests “Increasing their minimum stays from 6 to 10 nights and expecting more activities while travelling between resorts.”
“It is insights like these that the OTC Arabia conference will share with delegates, helping them to plan efficiently and effectively for the near future. And this year, we will exclusively focus on experiential travellers from the GCC, while offering more opportunities for networking and closing of business deals through our carefully curated and selected business representatives in the Middle East,” commented N. Hasan, Director, Gateway Marketing Consultants.
Platforms such as the OTC Arabia conference increase networking opportunities in the GCC travel market,and concrete business deals through pre-scheduled meetings with direct buyers. It also is a great enabler in transferring knowledge of the needs and expectations of the GCC travel market.
Holiday Guide magazine if the Official Media Partner for OTC Arabia (Outbound Tourism Conference) to be held in Dubai.
