Middle East Small Businesses Amp up Travel and Entertainment Spending
Skift Take
Middle East Travel Roundup
Get the latest news from the Middle East in one easy-to-digest newsletter.In the Middle East and Africa region, travel and entertainment spending by small businesses was up 49 percent in March 2023 versus a year ago, according to the Travel Industry Trends 2023 report by Mastercard Economics Institute. From March 2019, it is up 78 percent. Large businesses observed growth as well, but at smaller rates.
And for the first time in the history of the report, Egypt and Saudi Arabia joined the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the top 10 destinations list. In 2023, a new dynamic emerged, with travelers exploring destinations closer to home, according to the report. Egypt and Saudi Arabia landed in seventh and eighth place, respectively even as UK, U.S., UAE and France remain the most popular international destinations for travelers leaving the Middle East.
Source: Mastercard Economics InstituteThe report also notes that consumers from the region, are increasingly embracing leisure travel and exploring new travel corridors worldwide. The report indicates that both leisure and business travel are growing at the same pace globally, with corporate flight bookings catching up to leisure travel in regions prioritizing a return to office culture. From January to March, leisure flight bookings in the UAE were up 49 percent in 2023.
Another significant trend is the preference for experiences over material possessions, with travelers seeking unique and immersive cultural experiences. Social media and entertainment have influenced tourists to venture into lesser-known destinations. In the Middle East and Africa region, spending on experiences has surged, with Morocco experiencing a remarkable 117 percent year-over-year increase in experience-oriented spending by March 2023.
Daily Passenger Numbers at Dubai Airport Expected to Exceed 252,000Dubai International Airport is set to witness a significant surge in passenger numbers during the upcoming weeks. As the UAE's summer school break aligns with the six-day long Eid Al Adha holidays, Dubai airport is preparing to welcome an estimated 3.5 million guests between June 20 and July 3.
Average daily traffic is anticipated to reach 252,000, with a notable increase in departures from June 23 to 25, exceeding a quarter of a million outbound travelers. The peak day for departures is forecast to be June 24, with almost 100,000 passengers leaving the airport. Additionally, the end of the Eid Al Adha holiday is expected to witness even higher arriv
