Hertz UAE experienced a 35 percent increase in online bookings for daily and weekly car rentals in 2011 over 2010.

With the boom in online shopping across the Middle East spreading to car rentals, it expects major growth in 2011 to continue at the same rate this year, the company said.

This follows a recent report by research firm Euromonitor International which said online sales in the Arab world are forecast to top Dh7.34 billion ($2 billion) by 2016, amid a boom in e-commerce in markets including the UAE and Egypt.

Online shoppers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt spent $1.01billion on internet retail sites last year, and Hertz UAE’s online sales growth was driven by increased brand awareness, a statement from the company said.

“We ran various inbound and outbound campaigns on Hertz.ae and Hertz.com and used collateral, indoor and outdoor media, and direct marketing to promote both websites,” said Nigel Johnson, managing director, Hertz UAE. “The increase is split evenly between inbound and domestic UAE business, with the biggest increase inbound coming from western audiences, largely from Europe and the US.”

Hertz UAE expects to drive in more business online through promotions like the new one just launched on Hertz.ae offering a 25 percent discount on all monthly rentals from now until February 29. Those taking advantage of the savings are entered in a draw to win one of ten luxurious holidays at the five-star Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort at Fujairah.

“Online shoppers today are largely western expatriates who are generally more comfortable with the concept of going to a website and using their credit cards to buy what they want,” said Johnson.

“In our case, online shopping is a convenient, easy way to book and pay for a rental vehicle, eliminating another logistical step in the travel process and helping people on their journey. As well as booking vehicle rentals, consumers can use the Hertz.ae website to book add-ons such as child care seats and navigational systems,” he said.

“We’re using the same tactics to reinforce our messages in 2012 and expect the same kind of growth in online bookings as we enjoyed in 2011. It’s a trend that will continue to grow as consumers feel more empowered to purchases goods and services this way,” Johnson concluded. – TradeArabia News Service