Qataris, Saudis highest spenders abroad: Study
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Recent findings of a study on the outbound travel habits of GCC nationals were revealed during the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012 seminar series. The study entitled “The Outbound GCC Travel Market – Unique Trends and Characteristics of GCC Nationals” said Qataris spend most on travel with an average expenditure of US$4,100 per day, followed by travelers from Saudi Arabia at US$3,360 and the UAE at US$3,280.
The breakdown of spending 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 author of the study Sunil Malhotra, senior lecturer at the Emirates Aviation College.
The study findings touched on recurring theme of extended vacations as a major differentiator between this region and the rest of the world, led by Qatari and Saudi Arabian travelers, with stays ranging from 14 up to 56 days. According to the report summary, 53% of survey respondents will travel to between two and five countries for leisure or pleasure within the next 12 months, with Saudi nationals the most frequent travelers, followed by the UAE.
“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.
The study interviewed 2,500 GCC nationals about their travel habits over a 12-month period from January to December 2011.