Turismo
Rapidly Changing Demographics to Fuel Major Shift in GCC Travel Over Next 15 Years
The coming-of-age of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)'s youthful population will reshape the travel industry in the region over the next fifteen years, as digital natives instinctively turn to mobile technologies and social media to plan, book and manage travel.
Today, nearly 25% of the GCC population is under 15 years of age, and as this demographic becomes tomorrow's decision makers, it will shake up traditional behaviours to become increasingly self-directed. As outlined in the Amadeus-commissioned new report, , additional unfolding demographic forces such as a steady inflow of expatriate workers, robust natural population growth and a growing middle class, will combine to drive a new and divergent set of travel behaviours and needs in the region.
The report, written by Frost & Sullivan and Insights and commissioned by Amadeus, examines and contextualises the various ways a new travel landscape will develop in the Gulf region over the next fifteen years.
" ," said , Vice President, MENA, Amadeus.
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Further key findings include:
, and specialist tourism sectors such as cruise, meetings and conferences and medical tourism play a prominent role in this diversification. As a result, GCC countries have maintained an average GDP growth of over 5% in the past decade, with a greater increase expected in the future.
into other sectors, furthering economic growth and diversification. Hospitality and construction in particular will benefit as the number of travellers entering or passing through the region increases - Qatar expects 3.7 million tourists in 2022 due to the FIFA World Cup and is investing $20 billion on tourism infrastructure and $140 billion on transport.
, both within the region and outbound. The difficulty of obtaining a visa has been the main reason for 33% of travellers surveyed not taking trips as often as they would like. By improving accessibility within the region and abroad, the number of intra-regional travellers is expected to increase four-fold by 2030.
" ," observed , Managing Partner, Insights.
The report was informed by a survey of some 1,000 travellers from the region as well as interviews with thought leaders in the travel industry. It highlights the technologically savvy and growing population of the GCC and predicts a travel landscape will develop in the region that is highly connected, personalised, and sustainable.
To download a free copy of the report "Shaping the future of Travel in the GCC: Big Travel Effects" please visit:
In addition to a survey of some 1,000 travellers from the GCC, executives from the following companies contributed to the report:
is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies).
The Amadeus group employs around 10,000 people worldwide. Amadeus has central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters), Nice (development) and Erding (operations - data processing center) and regional offices and centers in Boston , Dallas , Miami , Buenos Aires , Bangkok and Dubai . At a market level, Amadeus maintains customer operations through 71 local Amadeus Commercial Organizations covering 195 countries.
To find out more about Amadeus please visit http://www.amadeus.com