UK, Saudi and Indian visitor spending to rise

Dubai: Spending by tourists in the UAE will increase by Dh4.9 billion to Dh32.4 billion by 2014, up from Dh27.5 billion in 2009, as the country seeks to increase visitor numbers from 8.7 million to 10.4 million in the same period, says the prominent consumer market analyst Euromonitor International.

According to the company's Middle East report — which will be unveiled during next month's Arabian Travel Market 2010, running May 4-7 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre — Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and India will make up the top three nations for incoming tourist receipts in the UAE.

Saudi Arabian tourism spend is forecast to grow from Dh4.3 billion in 2009 to Dh5.4 billion by 2014, while UK visitors will account for increases of Dh4.3 billion to Dh5.1 billion.

Indian visitors, whose spending is expected to increase 2.4 per cent per annum to Dh3.2 billion in 2014, are narrowly ahead of other top contributing nations; Russia, Iran, Germany, Oman and Pakistan.

In terms of UAE visitor numbers, the report says the UK will provide the largest number, increasing from just over one million in 2009 to 1.2 million by 2014. Saudi Arabian numbers will grow from 856,000 to approximately 1 million while third placed Russia will see increases from 689,000 to 783,200.

Caroline Bremner, Global Travel and Tourism Manager for Euromonitor International, who will unveil the report as part of Arabian Travel Market's expanded 2010 seminar programme, said: "Faced with a global economic crisis of epic proportions, the Middle East has suffered a slowdown in travel and tourism demand from key source markets.

"With continued investment in infrastructure, and strategic vision in place, the Middle East continues to offer growth opportunities, however, greater commitment to diversification would be wise to ensure the region can meet its full potential."

Bremner is the latest speaker to be announced for Arabian Travel Market 2010's new-look seminar programme, which will cover a wide range of key trends and issues during the 25 sessions planned for the four day event.

Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, which organises Arabian Travel Market, said, "Reports like Euromonitor International's are a key component of the show's knowledge delivery credentials and form a critical discussion platform for helping the industry to plan successful recovery efforts.

"Arabian Travel Market has been designed to offer more than business to business networking. We continue to put in place mechanisms for discussion and debate, both key facets in assisting the industry to stay abreast of the latest trends."