INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Vinay Malhotra, COO, Middle East & South Asia, VFS Global, global outsourcing and technology services specialists for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, draws the profile of the Arab tourist.

1. What are the top five destinations for MENA residents traveling for tourism?

The Middle East enjoys the position of true hub, thanks to its geographical and socioeconomic importance. Since the region is home to multiple nationalities, who travel often for leisure or work, there is ample potential for both tourism and business travel. Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia along with many of the Schengen countries, are preferred destinations and continue to be popular with travelers.

2. Have you noticed any standout travel trends?

The travel and tourism sector has been experiencing rapid growth and that trend is reflected in the visa services industry in the Middle East as well. While the top destinations for outbound travel have more or less stayed the same, they continue to witness strong demand in terms of visa applications, as they offer a healthy mix of travel options for visitors, be it for leisure, higher education or corporate travel. Another interesting trend is the growing preference for destinations in Asia, Europe and some of the Nordic countries, which is a sign that the global traveler’s tastes are maturing. Tourists are now quite willing to try out offbeat destinations.

3. Are there any trends when it comes to duration of trips and frequency?

For this market, the peak travel season is usually March onwards, with the months of July and August the most popular, due to school holidays and summer breaks. There is also a spike in travel during the Eid break as well, post Ramadan.