OTA sales in Middle East to reach US$ 3 billion this year

OTA sales in Middle East to reach US$ 3 billion this year

02.04.2014: Tech-focused seminars return to highlight latest innovations and digital insight from global

Tech-focused seminars return to highlight latest innovations and digital insight from global trendsetters - research reveals that one in six consumers in the region uses the Internet as their preferred booking platform




The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Travel Technology Theatre returns once again this year, as the region’s young tech-savvy generation and worldwide developments in the digital travel field open up new areas of IT-related opportunity and education for the industry.


According to IT giant Cisco, mobile data traffic in the Middle East & Africa region will grow faster than in any other part of the world between now and 2018, with penetration of smartphones and tablets using the latest technology forecast to reach 598 million devices within the next four years, up from just 133 million in 2013.


One in six consumers in the region is also now using the Internet as the booking platform of choice according to hotelmarketing.com, with the distinctive needs of digitally engaged travellers across the Middle East demanding a tailor-made approach from travel providers.


“Around 60% of airline booking and ticketing in Dubai alone comes from e-commerce and with youth accounting for 60% of the GCC population the need for the tourism industry in the region to be at the forefront of digital development and connectivity is a given. Our Sabre Travel Technology Theatre line-up for 2014 is a ‘how to’ guide to grow your online business, connect with the trendsetters and effectively measure ROI,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.


Data released by PhoCusWright in 2013 revealed that online travel agency sales in the Middle East hit US$ 2.3 billion last year, and this figure is expected to jump by 4% to 17% by the end of 2014. The GCC countries are also leading the pack in terms of social media activity, with 94% or 56 million MENA region users on Facebook and Twitter generating around 10 million Tweets per day with over 3.7 million users.


“With the Travel Technology Theatre now in its third year and an established calendar feature, our tie-up with Sabre, an established global leader in this field, and the fact that we will welcome a record 72 travel technology-specific exhibitors to ATM, demonstrates the influence of online technology on all aspects of the travel cycle from planning and booking to recording memories and sharing experiences,” remarked Walsh.


Sponsored by Sabre, the technology solutions provider to the global travel and tourism industry, this year’s Travel Technology Theatre series covers 16 exciting sessions and will open on Monday 5th May with a session on ‘Mobile in Travel’ where some of the best minds in the industry have been drafted in to speak including Ian Humphreys, Regional Director Middle East, Caliber Interactive and Dan Cross, Territory Manager MEA for TripAdvisor.


Other highlights include a keynote from the Managing Director of Travelzoo Europe, hints and tips for building your brand online, a guide to finding and working with good travel bloggers, as well as an edge-of-your-seat digital debate on ‘The Impact of Mobile in Travel’ held in co-operation with the Digital Tourism Think Tank.


“Keeping it mobile seems to be the overriding theme, whether that means a session on how travelers are using mobile and lessons for successful mobile advertising, which will be led by Google Industry Manager – Travel MENA, Kara Moddermann, or interactive participation in a number of sessions focusing on the latest technological advances and trends in digital consumer behaviour,” said Walsh.




Speakers include
Vikram Singh, Co-Founder, Madbooker, on optimisimg your direct revenue and building your brand online; Laurel Robbins, social media consultant and award-winning travel blogger; Paul Richer, Senior Partner, Genesys – The Travel Technology Consultancy on travel technology trends and staying ahead of the competition; Alana Witte, Director, Middle East & Africa, Revinate, who will address engaging and satisfying the needs of next generation guests; and Oliver Blofeld, Managing Partner, Insight, with a session looking at ways to use social media as a tool to communicate effectively and engage with audiences by listening to them and responding to them.


For more information on Arabian Travel Market 2014, please log on to: www.arabiantravelmarket.com


Nathalie Viselé, Shamal Marketing Communications Dubai also photos

Permanent-URL: http://www.automobilsport.com/ota-sales-middle-east-reach-billion-us-dollar-year---121474.html

02.04.2014 / MaP

More News

Porsche Golf Cup Dubai 2014 reveals Emirate’s top amateur golfers
01.04.2014
photo caption:  Porsche Centre Dubai hosted 105 amateur golfers for the inaugural Porsche Golf Cup Dubai Final last week at the Emirates Golf Club.Five Dubai-based Porsche owners have secured their spots at the annual Porsche Go more >>
Porsche Centre Dubai tops Porsche worldwide dealer ranking
01.04.2014
Dubai dealer retains top status for ninth year with 1,892 cars sold photo caption:    The new Porsche Centre Dubai showroom, set to open before the end of 2014; the dealership was the best-selling single Porsche dealer globally for the ninth cons more >>
Reem Investments posts AED 152 million net profit
30.03.2014
Distribution of 10% of dividends at Annual General MeetingCaption: From left to the right: Hamad Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Reem Investments; Abdulhamid Saeed, Managing Director of Reem Investments; Mohammed Saeed Al Qassimi, more >>
Maritime experts to debate regional prospects with global trade set to grow 4.5% in 2014
30.03.2014
International and regional industry leaders at Seatrade’s biannual Middle East conference to address key challenges facing regional maritime sector as global trade picks-up  The opportunities and challenges faced by the Middle East marit more >>
GIBTM: Price alone not key for regional meeting planners
26.03.2014
New survey at GIBTM reveals that on average only 55% of regional meeting planners ranked price as the key driver when choosing a venue  Photo caption: Rob Davidson, Senior Lecturer in Events Management more >>
Five-fold increase in Middle East MICE bookings to Thailand
26.03.2014
The Middle East represents fastest-growing MICE market for Thailand - Three new online campaigns to further promote Thailand as a premiere MICE destinationThe Thailand Convention more >>
Dubai Police, Sharjah Police, Porsche Centre Dubai join forces for safer roads
26.03.2014
Instant spot cash rewards for Emirates’ safest drivers as bi-annual “RoadStar contest” returnsphoto caption: A ‘Porsche Road Star’:  Indian national Sidhiq Varikkoden is awarded an instant cash prize of AD1, more >>
Millennium to open 20 hotels in Saudi Arabia
24.03.2014
Ambitious expansion plans will realise a total of 50 properties in the Middle East by 2017- Millennium’s hotels return 34% GOP increase year-on-year for 2013Millennium and Copthorne Middle East and Africa (MEA) h more >>
GIBTM Middle East is fastest growing international meetings market
24.03.2014
Association meetings in region triple over 10 years – ICCA report acknowledges importance of Middle East MICE market dominating Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) opening day   more >>
Rosewood Corniche joins the Earth Hour Movement
24.03.2014
Luxury hotel to turn off exterior, interior lighting to draw attention to worldwide issue of global warmingphoto caption:  Rosewood Corniche will take part in Earth Hour 2014 by turning off all exterior more >>
AGRA Middle East and VET Middle East in Dubai
24.03.2014
The 2014 edition of the region’s largest agribusiness and veterinary trade events to commence in Dubai photo caption:    AGRA Middle East and VET Middle East open tomorrow at the Dubai International Convention a more >>
Fitness coach Colin Phillips sets new bungee world record in Dubai
23.03.2014
Dubai expat and fitness coach Colin Phillips has set a new world record for the most bungee jumps in 24 hours in the Porsche Macan 24-Bungee event over the weekend.At the Dubai Autodrome, Philips successfully completed 151 jumps, trumping th more >>
Cityscape Abu Dhabi records 26% increase in pre-registered visitors
23.03.2014
...five weeks ahead of big openingInvestors set sights on fresh real estate opportunities as year-on-year growth at three-day show underlines buoyant local property marketphoto capti more >>
Hertz opens new location at Etihad Travel Mall in Dubai
23.03.2014
World’s largest general use car rental brand opens 20th UAE location, capitalising on booming Etihad passenger numbersCaption: Hertz has opened a new car rental branch at The Etihad Travel Mall on Sheikh Zayed Road. Hertz UA more >>
GIBTM opened today with new research into buying patterns of regional meeting planners
23.03.2014
Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings show welcomes over 74 first-time participants, over 250 key targeted hosted buyers; over 2000 expected trade visitors; expanded line-up includes fresh business travel focus and exclusive access to new industry research more >>
Technology driving MICE sector strategy
20.03.2014
Next generation trends and innovation to be unveiled at the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings show  Photo Caption: Lois Hall, Exhibition Manager, GIBTM. As the region’s lea more >>
Porsche Centre Dubai hosts amateur golf tournament at Emirates Golf Club
20.03.2014
Majorca finale on the cards for Dubai’s golf-loving Porsche ownersphoto caption:  The Porsche Golf Cup Dubai, hosted by Porsche Centre Dubai, will take place on 24 March at the Emirates G more >>
Luxury brands to target GCC travelers at ATM
20.03.2014
Arabian Travel Market launch luxury theme to 2014 line-up as GCC travellers and global HNWIs seek out new high-end experiencesPremium travel and hospitality will more >>
Porsche Macan the driving force behind new Guinness World Record attempt
18.03.2014
Dubai-based UK expat to attempt new world record for most bungee jumps in 24 hoursphoto caption:  ‘Life intensified’: Dubai-based UK expat Colin Phillips, with the new Po more >>
Mice Industry counts down to GIBTM 2014 in Abu Dhabi
18.03.2014
High profile Hosted Buyers attracted by expanded events programme as GIBTM 2014 adds regional fam trips, a new business travel focus and 25% more European exhibitors to this year’s line-upUp to 300 highly influential Middle East more >>
Agribusiness Outlook Forum to spotlight Bustan Aquaponics project
17.03.2014
...  requires no fertile land, four times more efficient than regular farms photo caption:    The Bustan Aquaponics farm case study in Egypt will be showcased at the Agribusiness Outlook Forum, which takes place next week in Du more >>
Majid Al Futtaim awards Capsule Arts
15.03.2014
bespoke Giles Miller commission for Kempinski Hotel Mall of the EmiratesDubai arts consultancy to showcase London artist’s sculptural installations at Design Days Dubai art fair more >>
UAE Companies lead the way in providing sustainable agriculture innovations
11.03.2014
Abu Dhabi Farmer’s Services Centre, Al Ardh Agricultural Soil Conditioners, Globcom and Resysta strong contenders in AgraME Awardsphoto caption:    more >>
Volkswagen launches Amarok onto desert trail
10.03.2014
Photo caption: The 2.0 TDI Diesel Double Cabin AmarokAl Nabooda Automobiles, the sole distributor of Volkswagen in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has introduced a 2.0L TDI Diesel Double-Cabin Amarok in response to customer demand for a power more >>
Audi quattro Cup 2014 kicks off in Dubai with Al Nabooda Automobiles
06.03.2014
Photo Caption: photo caption: Mazen Al Nashar, Audi Brand Manager and the winners Steve Pettigrew and Craig Miller, Trevor Hill, Managing Director Audi Middle more >>
Interface redefines the space for education
06.03.2014
Positive influence of interior design on student productivity discussed at Dubai educational forum         photo caption: Interface showcases its modular soft flooring range designed for the education market at the GESS 2014 more >>
Public and private sector partnership vital for Future Mena Agriculture Industry
03.03.2014
Leasing land abroad, corporate farming likely to increase investor appetite, Emirates Investment CEO says ahead of Agribusiness Outlook Forum photo caption:  Syed Tariq Husain, CEO o more >>
Rosewood Corniche Jeddah special cooking
03.03.2014
Cooking classes, mini bars made for children all part of the five-star service at Jeddah hotelCaption:    Cooking classes, mini bars made for children all part of the five-star service at Rosewood Corniche. more >>
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi opens new Al Nabooda Automobiles Fujairah showroom
28.02.2014
New combined Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen centre eliminates need for travel to Dubai to buy, service cars photo caption: His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi officially inaugurates the new Porsche, Aud more >>
MAG Group will invest up to AED 15 billion in Dubai by 2020’ says Chairman
26.02.2014
Addressing stakeholders in Dubai, MAG Group Chairman Moafaq Al Gaddah outlines company’s 2020 investment plans across residential, hospitality, commercial, industrial and service sectors Moafaq Al Gaddah, Chairman of MAG Group , Dubai-b more >>
Residential property investment proves a hit as Next Move Live wraps up
22.02.2014
Visitors aim to ‘make their properties work for them’ at  UAE’s new consumer showphoto caption:   Next Move live wraps up after today after bringing together thousands of potential home buyers with leading developer more >>
Next Move Live: Mixed-use communities steal the show at UAE new consumer property event
21.02.2014
Tanmiyat, Rocky Real Estate launch exclusive new developments at Next Move liveCaption:  Developers at Next Move live highlight the importance of location in the UAE Real Estate market as property buyers look to invest. more >>
The UAE’s new consumer property show, Next Move live, opened today in Dubai
20.02.2014
- Exhibitors showcase exclusive developments as new consumer property show opens- Next Move live welcomes thousands of UAE visitors looking to purchase or rent their dream homephoto caption: The UAE’s new consumer more >>
Next Move Live: UAE's new consumer show opens as property market continues to soar
19.02.2014
Deyaar uses Next Move live platform to show why buying has become “the best option”     photo caption: The UAE’s new consumer property show, Next Move live, opens tomorrow in Dubai.The U more >>
Asteco: Apartment sales prices in Jordan jump 14% in 2013
19.02.2014
Stable economy and calm political arena improve market sentiment as apartment sales prices rise 14% year-on-year but rental rates remain relatively unchanged at 2% due to increased supply says latest Asteco Q4 2013 research reportAlthough rental rates in Jordan experienced more >>
GIBTM: "Dry Mice" destinations in demand
19.02.2014
Photo caption: This year’s GIBTM will provide a forum for in-demand Shariah-compliant meetings destinations and facilities such as Bahrain and Kuwait to meet with the 300 influential Hosted Buyers attending the event, all of whom have siz more >>
Seven Tides to launch second phase of Anantara Residences
18.02.2014
...after Palm Jumeirah apartment prices increase 43% in 2013  Photo View from the Anantara Dubai Palm Jumeirah Residences. UAE developer to launch next phase of luxury Palm Jumeirah apartme more >>
Saudi to invest $ 30.9 billion in tourism over next decade
17.02.2014
ATM roadshow arrives in Riyadh today as Saudi tourism companies finalise their marketing plans ahead of region’s largest travel and tourism event in Dubai Photo caption: Hajj and Umrah a major contributor to Saudi tourism growth. more >>
New Volkswagen Instamania competition challenges fans to get snapping
15.02.2014
Al Nabooda Automobiles, the exclusive distributor of Volkswagen in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, today launched a new photography competition encouraging fans of the iconic Volkswagen brand to get creative behind the lens and showcase their photography talents. more >>
2001-2023 copyright automobilsport.com