In association with Qa Research and in light of its inaugural exhibition at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) next week, UKinbound has released its latest Business Barometer results with a focus on the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) market.
To encourage visitors from GCC countries to explore more of the UK, 75% of respondents stated that increased marketing in these countries is key. 62% of respondents also said that increasing the number of direct flights to UK regional airports from destinations across the GCC would boost visitor numbers. Additionally, the creation of culturally sensitive itineraries, improved UK train links and better signage were cited as important factors that could encourage more GCC visitors to come to the UK.
UKinbound’s chief executive officer, Deirdre Wells OBE said: “Visitors from the GCC countries to the UK in 2016 ranked 15th in terms of numbers (777,000) but 3rd in terms of overall spending (£1.4 billion)*. This is clearly a valuable market with lots of potential that our members are keen to tap into.
“Exhibiting at ATM is therefore an important strategic step for UKinbound and will help our members and other stand sharers to showcase their businesses and secure new opportunities in a growing and emerging market.
“We will also continue to lobby Government on issues such as increasing marketing spend, visas and APD, to ensure that the UK remains a first choice for our international tourists and an attractive business and leisure destination.”
The Business Barometer results also reported that 56% of respondents have seen an increase in overall bookings/visitor numbers/customer orders in January and February 2018 compared to 2017. Similarly, yield was the same or higher for 73% of members during the same period. However, confidence levels experienced a slight dip with 52% of members stating their 12-month business outlook was positive, down from 54%.
UKinbound will be exhibiting at the Arabian Travel Market in the European Hall (stand EU6830) in Dubai from Sunday 22nd April to Wednesday 25th April 2018.
* Source: Visit Britain
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For further information, contact Lauren Broughton
lauren@diligentcomms.com | + 44 (0) 7725 865 063
About UKinbound
UKinbound is a leading travel trade association and the only one which focuses solely on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector. UKinbound addresses and engages with Government, the media, travel trade and the general public to raise awareness of the importance of inbound tourism to the UK economy.