The growth of the Muslim population in China is expected to lead to increases in the flow of visitors from the world’s most populous country to Makkah ad Medina, while Abu Dhabi and Dubai will also continue to see rising numbers over the coming year.

These are among the conclusions of an extensive report by Oxford Economics, for Intercontinental Hotels Group, has published its ‘The Future of Chinese Travel’ paper.

In it, the authors explain how, although Middle East city destinations receive far fewer Chinese travellers on average relative to locations in other regions of the world, their value is increased by their longer-than average lengths of stay.

Citing Pew Research which shows that raid rate of growth in the Muslim population in China, it states that there has been inflated demand for travel to centres of the Islamic faith, Median and Makkah in particular.

Story continues below
Advertisement

“The travel, retail and entertainment centres of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have led the region, attracting an increasing number of Chinese tourists on leisure trips and cruises. Chinese visitors to the Middle East tend to stay longer than in the average long-haul destination for two main reasons,” the study adds.

“First, religious visits tend to last longer than other leisure trips. For instance, a trip to the Islamic centres of the Middle East might incorporate sightseeing and participation in religious observations or events which can last for several days, as opposed to sporting or entertainment events which might take place on a single day.

“Second, cruises in the Middle East – popular among Chinese leisure visitors – often involve one major coastal city as a base for overnight lodging and departures for day excursions to other destinations in the region.

Looking ahead, the report says that, which China’s Muslim population expected to grow by 28% between 2010 and 2030, the demand for religious travel will increase.

“Over the next decade, growth in arrivals to and nights spent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is expected to top that of other major city destinations throughout the world, such as London and Paris in Europe and Sydney in the Asia Pacific region,” the report adds.

“Similarly, travel from China to Makkah and Medina is forecast to rise by 50% by 2023.”

IHG's spotlight on Chinese consumers comes at a time when the operator is gearing up to open is its first properties under the Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts brand, which it claims is the first international luxury hotel brand specifically designed for Chinese consumers.

While the first two hotels will be in China, IHG is ultimately aiming to expand the brand to key international destinations such as London and New York, to meet the specific requirements of the Chinese travellers.

Click HERE to read the full report.