Middle East on track for business travel boom in 2013
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A new survey reveals a rebound in market confidence while a boost for regional meetings destinations.
Corporate and meetings business in the Middle East has bounced back from the global economic crisis and looks set to achieve strong growth in 2013.
The survey was conducted by YouGov, wherein its ‘Travel Oracle’ report gauges UAE and KSA traveller attitudes and habits. The report also highlights business travel budgets are once again on the rise and more business people in the region are travelling.
Abu Dhabi, Oman and Turkey are all anticipating growth in meetings business from 2013 onwards with key enhancements such as new venues, airports, hotels and convention centres, proving a key growth driver.
The reports also found that in 2012, more than two in five travellers reported an increase in business travel budget (42% compared to 35% in 2010 and 41% in 2011). Nearly half of respondents (47%) expected to increase their business travel in the next 12 months.
According to a statement by Oman Ministry of Tourism says Muscat and Salalah have both witnessed a lift in business, meetings and incentives enquiries over the last year, with thriving local economy driving growth from SMEs. Improved air connections, opening of new properties and enhancements to facilities of existing ones, not only in the cities, but in regional locations such as Musandam and Al Jabal Al Akhdar, are set to attract more business in 2013.
In 2016, the OR330m Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre will open featuring an auditorium seating 3,200 and more than 22,000 square metres of exhibition space.