GCC hotels are making a concerted effort to target the Indian market. That’s according to Simon Press, senior exhibition director, Arabian Travel Market.
He said that Indian millennial tourists are opting for a little and often approach when it comes to traveling, according to a recent survey. He urged GCC hoteliers and travel professionals to use Arabian Travel Market 2018 as a platform to showcase their facilities and promotional offers, in an attempt to capture a share of this multi-million visitor, market niche.
Press said: “There are more than 400 million millennials in India. In terms of short break deals and offers this is sure to alert travel professionals and hoteliers throughout the GCC, being in such close proximity to their Indian neighbour.
“The travel time from Mumbai to Dubai, in particular, is just over three hours, and from Mumbai to Muscat, just under three hours, putting both cities on the radar as prime short break destinations.”
Olivier Harnisch, chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “India has been a key market for us, as we continue to welcome visitors, especially millennials and entrepreneurs, on short and long-haul stays in our properties. The findings of the survey will further energise the UAE’s hospitality sector to diversify their offering – as we do at Emaar Hospitality Group – to offer unique choices that appeal to the young travellers.
“Our brands Vida Hotels and Resorts and Rove Hotels in particular are preferred by millennial travellers from India, and we are also focused on expanding our footprint in the country, as we enjoy strong brand recognition in this important and fast-growing market. ATM is a key platform for us, and we will use the findings of the survey to showcase our strengths.”
ATM takes places at Dubai World Trade Centre from 22-25 April 2018.
