UAE, Saudi Arabian travellers prefer premium travel experience: study

Business, leisure, and even “leisure” travel is back in full swing. The United Nations World Tourism Organization’s World Tourism Barometer shows that international tourism grew by 182% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2022, with an estimated 117 million international tourists to global destinations, compared to 41 million in the first quarter of 2021.

A recent study by Collinson, the global leader in traveler experience, of nearly 2,000 frequent travelers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia revealed some interesting insights. The analysis found that the region’s recovery in 2021 is already strong, pointing to a bright future.

The study showed that UAE travellers made an average of four return trips in 2021, a 67% recovery from the pre-pandemic average of six.

In Saudi Arabia, travelers made an average of 8 return trips in a typical year before the pandemic (2019) and an average of 5 return trips in 2021, with a recovery rate of 63%.

Airport lounge popularity remains high
According to the study, airport lounge usage in the region is unusually high. There are indications that 98% of respondents in Saudi Arabia and 95% in UAE have used airport lounges in the past.

The survey also looked at how travelers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia perceive travel rewards and benefits, and the value of airport lounge benefits offered by their card providers. Interestingly, 80% of Saudi and 76% of UAE travelers said they would use the card more often if it offered travel rewards or benefits.

The three most popular travel benefits among UAE respondents are loyalty rewards (62%), airport lounge access (58%) and frequent flyer rewards (56%). KSA’s findings were similar, with loyalty rewards (58%), frequent flyer rewards (57%) and airport lounge access (55%) topping the list.

Priyanka Lakhani, Senior Vice President, Collinson, said: “Offering travel benefits on a credit or charge card not only enhances the cardholder experience, but also increases transaction revenue, as almost three-quarters of customers (78% in Saudi Arabia and 74% in Saudi Arabia) in the UAE) will be used for travel-related expenses.

Those with travel experience are preferred
While travel perks can help retain customers, research shows that more than a third of respondents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia would be happy to switch to a new card provider for a better, digital and flawless travel experience.