Ras Al Khaimah Residents’ Travel Habits
- Sustainability is a key driver for respondents with 84% expressing the importance of sustainable accommodation and 82% valued sustainable destinations
- The Caribbean, France and Germany featured in the top three preferred destinations over the next 12 months
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 25 July 2023:
Safarak Travel & Tourism, one of Ras Al Khaimah’s Leading Destination Management Companies, unveils the findings of a recent survey conducted by Censuswide. The survey aimed to gain insights into the travel habits and preferences of residents living in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, focusing on individuals aged 25 and above. The data collection period took place in June 2023, and 505 respondents participated in the survey.
Key Findings:
Extensive Research: On average, respondents reported spending approximately 7 hours researching a destination before making their travel bookings. This highlights their dedication to ensuring an informed and well-planned trip.
Expenditure Breakdown: The survey revealed the average expenditure of respondents on various aspects of a 7-day holiday, per person. The figures include AED 11,202 on accommodation, AED 11,462 on flights, AED 8,363 on transfers, AED 8,504 on shopping, AED 8,652 on entertainment/activities, AED 8,205 on clothing, AED 7,984 on insurance, and AED 8,109 on food and drink.
Booking Preferences: When asked about the timing of their trip bookings, 40% of respondents indicated that they traditionally book their holidays 3-4 weeks in advance and on average, respondents preferred to book a holiday 7 weeks ahead. Additionally, the survey highlighted that over 41% of respondents prefer online booking, while 34% prefer in-person bookings through travel agents.
Preferred Destinations: The top 5 preferred holiday destinations among respondents for the next 12 months include the Caribbean (26%), France (25%), Germany (20%), China (17%), and Greece (17%). A significant proportion (20%) expressed a preference for beach holidays, while an equal percentage (20%) favoured visiting family and friends. Just under a fifth (19%) of respondents indicated a preference for activity-focused holidays, such as skiing, hiking, or surfing.
Influences and Inspirations: Social media plays a crucial role in shaping respondents’ holiday choices, with 36% citing it as their primary source of inspiration. Instagram emerged as the preferred social media platform, with 61% of respondents actively using it for travel-related content.
Sustainable Travel: Sustainability was a key consideration for respondents when selecting a holiday. 82% valued sustainable destinations, while 84% expressed the importance of sustainable accommodations, and 78% prioritized sustainable activities during their trips.
Cathy Mead, General Manager, Safarak Travel & Tourism said: “We are delighted to present the results of this survey, which provide valuable insights into the travel habits and preferences of Ras Al Khaimah residents. The findings underline the residents’ dedication to research and planning, as well as their commitment to sustainability aligning with RAK’s vision of becoming the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism. At Safarak, we strive to meet these evolving preferences by offering tailored travel experiences that matches our customers’ expectations.”
Safarak Travel & Tourism is committed to enhancing the travel experiences of its customers and will continue to leverage these survey findings to provide personalised and sustainable travel solutions for the residents of the UAE.
About Safarak Travel & Tourism
Safarak, meaning “your travel” in Arabic, is a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in the UAE travel industry and enjoys the credibility and reputation associated with being a Ras Al Khaimah Government company and member of RAK Hospitality Holding.
The premier excursion, transport and DMC now offers complete travel solutions including tailor-made packages encompassing hotels, flights, tours, activities, transfers, and package modules. Catering to a wide range of travellers including travel enthusiasts, families and day-trippers, as well as MICE, corporate trips and wedding parties, Safarak is the only DMC in RAK that offers 24/7 client support hotline so that customers can travel at ease knowing that their team of experts are available every step of the journey.
As an IATA licensed company where customers can effortlessly book their flights and one of the leading DMCs and tour operators in the UAE, Safarak is able to offer complete travel services both inbound into the UAE and outbound to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, and Asia. Safarak has a reputation for excellence and strive to deliver the highest level of customer service and satisfaction to all of its clients. www.safarak.com
