UAE is top regional destination

Where in the Middle East do the inhabitants of the South Asian, Middle East and African region like to go? Answer: the UAE. That's according to the Consumer Lifestyle Survey commissioned by MasterCard International that surveys seven markets: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Lebanon, South Africa and the UAE.

When it comes to personal air travel, 26 per cent of travellers from Kuwait, 18 per cent from Saudi Arabia, 14 per cent from India, 9 per cent from Egypt and 7 per cent from Lebanon said they would visit the UAE by air during the next 12 months UAE travellers, on the other hand, favour Egypt (22.3 per cent) followed by Syria (11.7 per cent), Jordan (10 per cent) and Lebanon (9 per cent).

"The results 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 and North Africa. "Initiatives such as Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival are instrumental in taking tourism in the Middle East to new heights," added Lawson.

The first wave of the 2005 survey was conducted in February among a sample of approximately 400 customers in each of the seven surveyed markets in the South Asia, Middle East and Africa region.
(The Gulf News)