COVID-19 travel impact in Middle East and Africa
Research firms says there are signs that travel intent is beginning to gain momentum in MEA
COVID-19 travel impact in Middle East and Africa
With Sojern’s access to real-time traveller audiences and unmatched visibility into global travel demand, the company is in a unique position to share the current travel trends at the forefront of marketers’ minds.
In its latest blog, Sojern has revealed that the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is starting to see some positive developments with regards to the easing of lockdown restrictions and signs of business and travel gradually reopening.
The travel research firm said on May 31, 2020, Dubai allowed 50% of government staff to return to their offices, which will increase to 100% capacity in offices from June 14, 2020. Curfews continue to be shortened, and a second phase of easing restrictions is planned for June 21, 2020 which will see the coronavirus curfew end in all areas of Saudi Arabia except for Mecca.
The company noted that after two months of plateaued search volumes for global travel to destinations across the region, there are signs that travel intent is beginning to gain momentum. “There has been an increase in the number of search events taking place, most notably for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco which, although still down year-over-year, are heading in the right direction,” Sojern stated.
Looking more specifically at the travel market, Saudi Arabia announced that domestic flights have returned, as of May, 31, 2020 and from July, 1, 2020 bookings will reopen for flights to 12 Arab countries including Morocco and Lebanon.
Of particular interest, Sojern said the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi has shared detailed guidelines with the emirate’s hotels in preparation for granting approvals to reopen the establishments’ facilities such as restaurants, lounges, bars, beaches, pools and gyms.
Whilst volumes are still lower than 2019 levels, when looking at the months travellers plan on visiting the region, there is a long-awaited, steady incline from August onwards, Sojern observed. Search levels for departure dates to Egypt in March 2021 are only 38% below those for March 2020, further highlighting the steady route to recovery, the company stated.
