Business travel budgets for regional players are rising and the meetings sector is on course for strong growth in 2013, new research shows.
Corporate and meetings business in the Middle East has bounced back from the global economic crisis and more business people in the region are travelling, according to statistics from research firm YouGov in its latest Travel Oracle report on traveller attitudes and habits in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The report found that in 2012 more than two in five travellers reported an increase in business travel budget (42 per cent compared to 35 per cent in 2010 and 41 per cent in 2011). Nearly half the number of respondents (47 per cent) are expected to increase their business travel in the next 12 months.
The report’s results are supported by the positive 2013 prospects reported by key exhibitors at this week’s Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) Exhibition, says Event Manager, Lois Hall. “Our exhibitors are all anticipating a boost in corporate and meetings business in 2013, both from the region and international markets.”
She gave the examples of Abu Dhabi, Oman and Turkey, all of which expect robust growth in meetings business from 2013 onwards with key enhancements to the infrastructure of each destination. Key drivers are new venues, airports, hotels and convention centres. “The future of the region’s corporate travel and meetings landscape is bright and we anticipate GIBTM growing in size and stature in line with this vibrant industry,” says Hall.
Looking ahead, statistics from research house Euromonitor International reveal steady growth increase in business arrivals across four key Middle East and North Africa markets (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco) between now and 2016. The UAE reported 2.55 million business arrivals in 2012, which is expected to rise to 2.75 million in 2013, and 3.55 million in 2016. Figures for Saudi Arabia are 3.17 million, 3.5 million and 4.91 million respectively.
— GN Focus Report
