The number of travellers visiting the Middle East from Europe is on the rise, with a majority set to arrive in the UAE, according to new data.

The latest Q2 data compiled by Expedia Group showed the top 10 markets into the UAE included the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and Switzerland – a total of six European countries.

Recent research released ahead of the Arabian Travel Market revealed that arrivals from Europe to the GCC are set to grow for the period of 2018 – 2020 by around 17 per cent. The majority of these travellers are expected to arrive in the UAE.

Expedia Group’s data revealed that the European country showing the highest year-on-year growth in demand iwas Ireland (ranked 7th), followed by France and Italy (ranked 4th and 6th), while the US and the UK remained on top of the list when looking at room night share.

Package demand
According to Expedia Group’s data, European travellers also showed increased demand for package travel into the UAE with the UK, France and Germany ranking second, third and fourth by share of the market, pipped only by the US which ranked at number one.

The European countries that showcased the highest year-on-year growth in package demand were France and Italy, with an increase of just over 80 per cent and around 65 per cent respectively.

A surge in package demand is great news for hoteliers as package customers tend to have a longer booking window, a longer length of stay and a smaller cancellation rate than standalone bookings.

Paula De Keijzer, senior director market management Middle East, Indian Ocean, Africa, Greece and Turkey, Expedia Group, said: “While recent data has shown that demand from Asian countries such as India and China has been very encouraging, it is great news that demand from the more traditional European markets is still on the rise. The regional increase in more budget-friendly, mid-market hotels, as well as an increase in low-cost airline routes, has surely been a factor. This is very good news for hoteliers looking to capture millennial and business travellers outside the luxury hospitality segment.” - TradeArabia News Service