 | |
| Mrs. Nadege Noblet |
Special industry
theme for Arabian Travel Market 2015 to focus on family travel segment as new
figures reveal annual average growth of 4.75% will value market at $180 billion
by 2018
Family centric travel, which accounted for more
than 12.5 per cent of the $1.07 trillion global tourism market, has been selected
as the official show theme for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2015, which takes
place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 4-7
May 2015.
According to Thomson Reuters’ data, the value
of the global family tourism market was $140 billion in 2013. That figure is
set to rise to over $180 billion by 2018 with growth expected to continue at a
rate of 4.79 per cent annually until 2020, compared with just 3.8% overall
tourism growth.
“Demand for inter-regional family travel
will also remain robust through to 2020 and beyond. The Economist Intelligence
Unit estimated that the GCC population would soar to 53.5 million by 2020, 24%
of which would be under 15 years of age,” Nadege Noblet, Exhibition Manager of
Arabian Travel Market, WTM Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
The Dubai Capital of Islamic Economy
initiative has identified the UAE as a top source market for family travel,
with spending power worth over $10 billion. Additional research data from
technology and payments business Visa, showed
that Saudi Arabians are the world’s biggest spenders when overseas, racking up
a per capita average of US$6,666 per trip. In stark contrast UK-based shopping
platform ‘Give As You Live’, revealed that the average British family of four
spends US$5,800 on their annual holiday.
“Although family travel is growing, these contrasting
spending patterns present strategic challenges as well as opportunities for
government bodies, hotels and tourism services providers throughout the region
with a clear need for a wide spectrum of family-focused offerings to satisfy
budget sensitivities as well as cultural expectations,” said Noblet.
The ATM 2015 line-up will include a number
of dedicated seminar sessions addressing these issues with panel-led
discussions on how Gulf destinations can boost their appeal to the lucrative
family tourism market and develop family-specific amenities, the pressing need
for value-for-money accommodation options and – at the other extreme – the rise
in aspirational travel from high-spending families for whom the experience
outweighs the expense.
In the Middle East ,
GCC families often travel in large groups and companies like Millennium &
Copthorne are honing in on the demand for value-for-money accommodation with
the development of new brands designed to service the unique needs of
travelling families.
“Historically, attracting families to stay at your hotel has
involved creating special packages or seasonal offers, while juggling with
yield and room configurations. With our recently launched Millennium Executive
Apartments brand, we can now offer a tailored product with a simplified rate structure,”
said Naeem Darkazally, Vice President of sales and marketing for Millennium and
Copthorne Middle East & Africa.
Driving family business throughout the year
is also linked to destination attractiveness with cities like Abu
Dhabi and Dubai
“Family travel is no longer simply about
maximising revenue streams during school holiday periods, putting temporary
beds into existing rooms and adding kids’ activities to a one size fits all
entertainment programme. There has to be a sense of anticipation, inclusion,
engagement, dedication and of course value,” said Noblet.
The Family Travel theme will be added to
the ATM 2015 collection of exhibition trails including budget travel, health
and wellbeing, shopping, transportation, luxury travel, sports travel, culture
and heritage and adventure travel.
The 2015 event will also grow with the
announcement of an additional hall as Reed Travel Exhibitions looks to build on its record-breaking achievements this
year, which saw total attendance increase by 12% to reach 33,000 exhibitors and
visitors.
For more
information on Arabian Travel Market 2015, please log on to: www.arabiantravelmarket.com
