Online trends are shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's travel industry, which has witnessed a significant increase in mobile bookings across the kingdom.

Mobile bookings across Saudi Arabia skyrocketed in 2017 with Riyadh showing a 32 per cent jump followed by Jeddah with 31 per cent.

A study conducted by InsightOut Consultancy and Amadeus Saudi Arabia observed that more than 40 per cent of travellers in the region organised their trips online. In fact, one in three (33 per cent) travellers today “actively search” for discounts online during the shopping process,  a growth of 14 per cent.

The study, which explored searching and planning habits of the region’s travellers in a digital era, also highlighted that 57 per cent of travellers in the region booked their flight fares only a week prior to their travel dates.

The report acknowledges that the Middle East travel market is incredibly diverse when it comes to travel patterns. While value is a key driver in travel decisions, more people admit to being more influenced by friends, family and colleagues (53 per cent) than by search engines and review sites (47 per cent) or actual travel agents (31 per cent).

The research confirms that more travellers in the Middle East today will compare elements such as flights by themselves online (45 per cent), instead of going to a travel agent to compare similar products and services (34 per cent). Similarly, 64 per cent of corporate travellers prefer to search, book and pay online for business trips; more than those who depend on their company or a travel agent (30 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively).

Eng Nashat Bukhari, general manager of Amadeus Saudi Arabia, said: “We are pleased with the significant rise in the consumer’s online travel trend in the region and as the industry continues to evolve, we will continue the deliver the latest cutting-edge technology dedicate to alter the shape of the travel industry in the region.” - TradeArabia News Service