Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: To travel or not to travel? A question millions of leisure travelers around the world are asking themselves, their family, and peers. The focus of Amadeus’s latest research explores the leisure traveler’s mindset towards planning and purchasing upcoming travel amidst the realities of COVID-19.

To do this, Amadeus approached +8,500 CheckMyTrip users from around the world through a quantitative and qualitative survey where nearly 47% of the respondents in MEA were from Saudi Arabia. The research gives a very good reason to be hopeful about the travel industry’s future.

During a recent virtual webinar held in Saudi Arabia themed “Rethink Travel” Eng. Nashat Bukhari, General Manager of Amadeus Saudi Arabia highlighted Amadeus’s research findings, outlined in the eBook Destination X: Where to Next - What Leisure Travelers Want in a COVID-19 World. Encouragingly, the study shows that consumers have a healthy appetite for travel despite the ongoing challenges and unknowns that still lie ahead. The report also showcased several key areas of opportunity for travel industry players to rethink, retool, reinvent and prepare for a rebound in travel:

  • Travelers want and have the means to get back out there. There is clearly pent-up demand for travel, so the challenge travelers face today is more about when, where and how they can best venture out. Nearly 72% of travelers surveyed in Saudi Arabia say they would consider international direct flight trips once restrictions are lifted. From how far, to how long, to how often - travelers are clear about what they are willing to consider to start traveling again. For example, 29% are planning to book their trips 1-3 months in advance.
  • Budget and booking ahead. Leisure Travelers exhibit a strong desire and confidence in their financial means to travel. Once restrictions are lifted, 51% say they expect to have the same budget for leisure travel as they did before COVID-19.

Price continues to play a role in decision-making, but other COVID-19 related factors now weigh in as travelers take their time to fully evaluate both their destination and transit options.  Customization and personalization are key cornerstones of the trip and will only grow in importance.

  • Communicating COVID-19 prevention measures up front. Travelers’ appetite for flying, staying at hotels, remain overwhelmingly strong. Bridging the gap between intention and actions, nearly 66% of travelers surveyed in Saudi Arabia say information on COVID-19 prevention measures are “very important” to know before they book a hotel, with 62% saying the same for air travel. 
  • Travel agents’ guidance is important to travelers. Travelers now place a higher premium on problem solving and support, especially for longer journeys. In terms of traveler support from travel agents, almost 40% of travelers surveyed in Saudi Arabia expect and would welcome increased guidance. Regarding recommendations, nearly 33% of travelers expect more recommendations and tailored insights from travel agents with 51% preferring to being contacted prior to booking their trips.

With future uncertainties still unfolding, Amadeus sees the potential for travel sellers to play a bigger role in helping consumers successfully navigate their options throughout all phases of their trip experience as the industry seeks to rebuild confidence.

Eng. Nashat Bukhari added, “Millions of travelers are out there dreaming of their next adventure in Destination X, and healthy traveler appetites now can only lead to stronger business demand ahead. Travel agents in particular must rethink travel to unlock new niches and spot creative opportunities to service travelers with more flexibility, more personalization and the capability to adapt to changing circumstances.”  He added, “Technology is going to be key to this transformation I am fully confident the travel industry can and will lead the way forward”.

-Ends-

About Amadeus

Travel powers progress. Amadeus powers travel. Amadeus’ solutions connect travelers to the journeys they want through travel agents, search engines, tour operators, airlines, airports, hotels, cars and railways.

We have developed our technology in partnership with the travel industry for over 30 years. We combine a deep understanding of how people travel with the ability to design and deliver the most complex, trusted, critical systems our customers need. We help connect over 1.6 billion people a year to local travel providers in over 190 countries.

We are one company with a global mindset and a local presence wherever our customers need us.

Our purpose is to shape the future of travel. We are passionate in our pursuit of better technology that makes better journeys.

Amadeus is an IBEX 35 company, listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under AMS.MC. The company is also part of the EuroStoxx50 and has been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last eight years.

To find out more about Amadeus, visit www.amadeus.com

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