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www.travelweekly-asia.com 18 OCTOBER 2019 D AY 3 TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA I T B A S I A S H O W D A I L I E S 9 By Phocuswright Factors such as government investment, positive economic change and consumer affluence are key Winning combo contributes to growth in Middle East travel market Middle East Total Travel Gross Bookings (US$B) and Channel Share A winning combination of government investment, positive economic change and consumer affluence is leading the Middle East travel market into a period of strong growth, according to the latest travel research report by Phocuswright. Dubbed the Middle East Online Travel Overview 2019, the report provides sizing and analysis of the online and total leisure travel markets in the Middle East, as well as regional projections through 2022, including distribution dynamics, technology trends shaping the tourism market and more. According to the report, in its eager bid to showcase its cultural icons, religious meccas, world-class resorts and state-of-the-art event venues, the Middle East is opening its figurative doors to the world. Government investment Local government spending on infrastructure improvements has reached record levels, with Doha, Qatar's stadium and metro- area projects running at full speed in anticipation of hosting the 2022 World Cup. Not to be outdone, Dubai is polishing up its Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Dubai Frame and the Jewel of the Creek projects to prepare for the expected 25 million visitors during the World Expo in 2020. In Saudi Arabia, the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative includes plans to establish the kingdom as a major tourist destination for domestic, regional and international travellers. Affluent consumers Travel habits are evolving, as younger, more affluent consumers crave adventure, value and frequent trips – both within and beyond the Middle East. By 2020, Generation Z (ages 20 and younger) and Millennials (ages 21 to 34) will comprise nearly three quarters of the region's population. Religious pilgrimages continue to drive domestic and inbound tourism to Saudi Arabia during Hajj and Ramadan, and the summer season is expanding as Ramadan moves into the spring for the next five years. Leisure travel is on the upswing as well, with intra- regional travel to Dubai and Egypt increasing. Egyptian and Saudi officials have partnered on a Red Sea Island and Neom project that will link Egyptian resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada to the Saudi city of Neom. Outbound trends Budgets, visas and safety play large roles in outbound trip decision-making, and Europe remains a favourite destination for Middle Eastern families, especially the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy. Around 40% of tourists from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries spent more than US$10,000 on their most recent trip to Europe, while GCC tourism spending per capita is nearly seven times higher than the global average . In its eager bid to showcase its cultural icons, religious meccas, world-class resorts and state-of- the-art event venues, the Middle East is opening its figurative doors to the world. SOUTCE: MIDDLE EAST ONLINE TRAVEL OVERVIEW 2019. @2019 PHOCUSWRIGHT INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NOTE: 2019-2022 projected. Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.