A recent study conducted by VisitBritain on footfall of GCC travellers to the UK showed that there was a record 812,000 visits from the GCC in 2017 – a 5% increase from the previous year.
The visitor spending in the country from the travellers was registered at £2.2 billion (US $2.54 billion) – up by 55% which was also a new record.
The study also focused on traveller behaviour. The research showed that tourists from the GCC are “digitally-focused” and consider reaching out to tourism websites as a reliable source for gathering information about a country or a destination before planning a work trip or holiday.
According to VisitBritain director for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa Tricia Warwick, tourists also heavily rely on social media for travel inspiration.
She said: “Travellers also heavily rely on online travel blogs/vlogs and social media channels particularly Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat platforms for gathering information or viewing images, videos and stories about a destination. Celebrities, trusted experts and social media influencers also play an important role in influencing destination choices and picking experiences.”
Word-of-mouth also seems to remain the most effective tool of influence when choosing a holiday in the UK, the study noted.
“The research also shows that visitors from the GCC not only want to visit famous and iconic tourist attractions and landmarks in Britain but are also interested in experiencing vibrant city life and exploring the British countryside. Travelers are searching for different and unique things to do on holiday. Experiencing a world-class cuisine is also top of their holiday wish list,” Warwick further noted.
GCC travellers prioritised shopping, dining in restaurants followed visiting a park or a garden as the top there activities when visiting the UK.
Out of the total 812,000 visits to the UK in 2017, there were 161,000 from Saudi Arabia – up by 6% from 2016. Travellers from Kuwait totaled to 124,000 visits while UAE took the largest chunk with 374,000 visits to the UK in 2017 with the visitors from the country spending more than $714 million recording a 9% increase – a new record.
Based on forecast by Oxford Economics, VisitBritain is expecting 822,000 visit from GCC by the end of 2018.
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