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The recent Consumer Lifestyle Survey commissioned by MasterCard
International, as part of its acclaimed MasterIndex of Consumer Confidence,
reveals the
United Arab Emirates is a top destination to travel to in the region.
Seven markets were surveyed and travel and consumer lifestyle preferences
were revealed. When it comes to personal air travel, 26% of travelers from
Kuwait, 18%
from Saudi
Arabia, 14% from India,
9% from Egypt and 7% from
Lebanon said
they would visit the United Arab Emirates by air during the next 12 months.
UAE travelers, on the other hand, favored Egypt coming at the forefront
(22.3%) followed by Syria (11.7%),
Jordan (10%) and Lebanon
(9%).
Most UAE travelers prefer to make their personal air travel abroad in
July (42%), August (22%) and September (11%). Of those surveyed, 47% will
stay away from home for over 21 days and 72% will travel with family and
friends.
'The results of the MasterIndex of Consumer Lifestyle survey confirm the
UAE's position as one of the prominent destinations in the Middle East.
Credit should be given to the UAE's tourism infrastructure and facilities,
which are rated among the best in the world, together with its breathtaking
scenery and cultural heritage,' commented Denzil Lawson, senior vice
president and general manager, MasterCard International, Middle East & North
Africa.
'The results demonstrate the potential of tourism within the Middle East.
Initiatives such as Dubai
Summer Surprises shopping festival, for which MasterCard has been a key
sponsor for six years now, are instrumental in taking tourism in the Middle
East to new heights,' added Denzil Lawson.
Recognizing that holidays, travel and leisure are important aspects of
MasterCard cardholders' lifestyles, MasterCard has recently launched a
Middle East wide 'Together Wherever' promotion, giving cardholders from
participating banks the opportunity to win 'priceless' travel experiences.
The promotion is held between June 7 and September 30, 2005 for any
transaction whilst home or abroad.
The first wave of the 2005 MasterIndex of Consumer Confidence survey was
conducted in February amongst a sample of approximately 400 consumers in
each of the seven surveyed markets in the South Asia, Middle East and Africa
(SAMEA) region, namely Egypt, India,
South Africa,
Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
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