Latest news with #non-Ramadan
Khaleej Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan travel to the UAE Up 6% as mid-market tourists redefine spending habits and trip duration
Ramadan 2025 has marked a turning point in how global travelers engage with the UAE, with new data from Visa showing a 6% year-on-year increase in visitors and a sharp shift in both traveler profiles and spending behavior. Average stay dropped to 4 days, down from 6 during the rest of the year, reflecting a growing trend of intention-led short trips. The visitor mix is also evolving, with a surge in inbound tourism from Central and Eastern Europe, led by the Czech Republic (86% increase compared to rest of the year), Romania (67%), Poland (63%), and Germany (44%) - markets that are reshaping the UAE's traditional tourist profile. Meanwhile, GCC-based travel, particularly from Saudi Arabia, declined, as many chose to observe Ramadan at home. These changes point to a reshaped visitor profile that's more diverse, time-conscious, and culturally motivated and for whom access to authentic, seasonal experiences matters more than luxury or length of stay. Released ahead of the Arabian Travel Market, Visa's Travel Pulse Q1-2025 report reveals emerging markets delivered unexpected spending, with a 111% increase in spend among visitors from Azerbaijan, followed by Tajikistan (81%), and Kyrgyzstan (62%). The report also showed that mid-market travelers (Visa mass cardholders) were the primary segment of travelers during Ramadan, accounting for 45% of total international visitor spend, up from 41% in non-Ramadan periods. Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE, said: 'Ramadan used to be considered as a quiet time for travel. But the patterns we're seeing now tell a different story. Our data shows the UAE is increasingly attracting new visitors that bring new spending behaviors and preferences. We're seeing travelers adapt to changing economic conditions, which is reflected in the duration of their stay and how they spend. But more importantly, they're still prioritizing travel and seeking enriching, meaningful experiences.' VisaNet data reveals a distinct Ramadan spending rhythm: • Spikes observed for eCommerce during Ramadan, with food orders peaking before Iftar and online shopping peaking at midnight • Retail (32%) and dining (25%) drove visitor spend in-store • Face-to-face and in-store spending surged in the final days of Ramadan, driven by extended mall hours and seasonal shopping experiences while online transactions dominated earlier in the month These trends show that travelers are spending purposefully but physically at local venues, presenting new in-store engagement opportunities for retailers. Visa's data reflects a shift in both visitor origin and spending patterns, expanding the UAE's reach beyond traditional tourist corridors. These sharp spikes reveal an opportunity for businesses to expand digital channels and identify new source markets with tailored offers, especially around cultural experiences and accessible price points. Gutieva added: 'For businesses, our Travel Pulse shows that Ramadan isn't a pause in activity, but rather a moment of opportunity. Behaviors during Ramadan are different and the key is understanding these to offer experiences that feel culturally relevant, easy to access, and meaningful to them.'
Arabian Business
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE sees spike in Ramadan travellers: Visa
The UAE saw a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in visitors during Ramadan 2025, according to travel analysis conducted by Visa. The global payments company also identified a shift in traveller profiles and spending behaviour. Visa's Travel Pulse Q1-2025 report reveals emerging markets delivered unexpected spending, with a 111 per cent increase in spend among visitors from Azerbaijan, followed by Tajikistan (81 per cent), and Kyrgyzstan (62 per cent). UAE Ramadan travel report by Visa The report also showed that mid-market travellers were the primary segment of travellers during Ramadan, accounting for 45 per cent of total international visitor spend, up from 41 per cent in non-Ramadan periods. The average stay dropped to four days, down from six during the rest of the year, reflecting a growing trend of intention-led short trips The visitor mix is also evolving, with a surge in inbound tourism from Central and Eastern Europe, led by the Czech Republic (86 per cent increase compared to rest of the year), Romania (67 per cent), Poland (63 per cent), and Germany (44 per cent). Meanwhile, GCC-based travel, particularly from Saudi Arabia, declined, as many chose to observe Ramadan at home These changes point to a reshaped visitor profile that's more diverse, time-conscious, and culturally motivated and for whom access to authentic, seasonal experiences matters more than luxury or length of stay. Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE, said: 'Ramadan used to be considered as a quiet time for travel. But the patterns we're seeing now tell a different story. 'Our data shows the UAE is increasingly attracting new visitors that bring new spending behaviours and preferences. We're seeing travellers adapt to changing economic conditions, which is reflected in the duration of their stay and how they spend. 'But, more importantly, they're still prioritising travel and seeking enriching, meaningful experiences.' Visa data reveals a distinct Ramadan spending rhythm: Spikes observed for eCommerce during Ramadan, with food orders peaking before Iftar and online shopping peaking at midnight Retail (32 per cent) and dining (25 per cent) drove visitor spend in-store Face-to-face and in-store spending surged in the final days of Ramadan, driven by extended mall hours and seasonal shopping experiences while online transactions dominated earlier in the month These trends indicate that travellers are spending purposefully but physically at local venues, presenting new in-store engagement opportunities for retailers. Visa's data reflects a shift in both visitor origin and spending patterns, expanding the UAE's reach beyond traditional tourist corridors. These sharp spikes reveal an opportunity for businesses to expand digital channels and identify new source markets with tailored offers, especially around cultural experiences and accessible price points. Gutieva said: 'For businesses, our Travel Pulse shows that Ramadan isn't a pause in activity, but rather a moment of opportunity. 'Behaviours during Ramadan are different and the key is understanding these to offer experiences that feel culturally relevant, easy to access, and meaningful to them.'
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ramadan Travel to the UAE up 6% as mid-market tourists redefine spending habits and trip duration
Mid-market travelers (mass cardholders) drove 45% of spend in the UAE during Ramadan, up from 41% year-round Average stay drops from 6 to 4 days, with visitor mix shifting toward Central and Eastern Europe In-store and after-dark spending surges, with retail (32%) and dining (25%) leading spend Gutieva: 'Visa's latest data dispels notion of Ramadan as a quiet tourism period for UAE' Dubai, UAE: Ramadan 2025 has marked a turning point in how global travelers engage with the UAE, with new data from Visa showing a 6% year-on-year increase in visitors and a sharp shift in both traveler profiles and spending behavior. Released ahead of the Arabian Travel Market, Visa's Travel Pulse Q1-2025 report reveals emerging markets delivered unexpected spending, with a 111% increase in spend among visitors from Azerbaijan, followed by Tajikistan (81%), and Kyrgyzstan (62%). The report also showed that mid-market travelers (Visa mass cardholders) were the primary segment of travelers during Ramadan, accounting for 45% of total international visitor spend, up from 41% in non-Ramadan periods. Experience-First Travel Replaces Lengthy Luxury Trips Average stay dropped to 4 days, down from 6 during the rest of the year, reflecting a growing trend of intention-led short trips The visitor mix is also evolving, with a surge in inbound tourism from Central and Eastern Europe, led by the Czech Republic (86% increase compared to rest of the year), Romania (67%), Poland (63%), and Germany (44%) - markets that are reshaping the UAE's traditional tourist profile Meanwhile, GCC-based travel, particularly from Saudi Arabia, declined, as many chose to observe Ramadan at home These changes point to a reshaped visitor profile that's more diverse, time-conscious, and culturally motivated and for whom access to authentic, seasonal experiences matters more than luxury or length of stay. Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE, said: 'Ramadan used to be considered as a quiet time for travel. But the patterns we're seeing now tell a different story. Our data shows the UAE is increasingly attracting new visitors that bring new spending behaviors and preferences. We're seeing travelers adapt to changing economic conditions, which is reflected in the duration of their stay and how they spend. But more importantly, they're still prioritizing travel and seeking enriching, meaningful experiences.' Spending Spikes Around Iftar and Again Before Midnight; Peaking Toward End of Ramadan VisaNet data reveals a distinct Ramadan spending rhythm: Spikes observed for eCommerce during Ramadan, with food orders peaking before Iftar and online shopping peaking at midnight Retail (32%) and dining (25%) drove visitor spend in-store Face-to-face and in-store spending surged in the final days of Ramadan, driven by extended mall hours and seasonal shopping experiences while online transactions dominated earlier in the month These trends show that travelers are spending purposefully but physically at local venues, presenting new in-store engagement opportunities for retailers. Visa's data reflects a shift in both visitor origin and spending patterns, expanding the UAE's reach beyond traditional tourist corridors. These sharp spikes reveal an opportunity for businesses to expand digital channels and identify new source markets with tailored offers, especially around cultural experiences and accessible price points. Gutieva added: 'For businesses, our Travel Pulse shows that Ramadan isn't a pause in activity, but rather a moment of opportunity. Behaviors during Ramadan are different and the key is understanding these to offer experiences that feel culturally relevant, easy to access, and meaningful to them.' About Visa Inc. Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement.
24-04-2025
- Business
Ramadan 2025 Sees Shift in UAE Tourism Trends, Visa Data Reveals
Ramadan 2025 has marked a turning point for tourism in the UAE, with global travellers engaging in new ways. According to Visa's latest Travel Pulse Q1-2025 report, international visitor numbers rose by 6% year-on-year—along with a notable shift in who's visiting and how they're spending. Unveiled just ahead of the Arabian Travel Market, the report highlights surprising growth from emerging markets. Visitor spending from Azerbaijan shot up by 111%, followed by Tajikistan at 81%, and Kyrgyzstan at 62%. These figures reflect a changing travel landscape, with new markets taking a front seat in the region's tourism economy. Another standout trend: mid-market travellers—non-premium Visa cardholders—were the biggest spenders during Ramadan. They accounted for 45% of total international visitor spend, compared to 41% during non-Ramadan periods, showing a rising influence of this segment. The visitor mix is also evolving, with Central and Eastern Europe stepping into the spotlight. Tourist numbers from the Czech Republic jumped by 86% compared to the rest of the year, followed by Romania (67%), Poland (63%), and Germany (44%). These markets are reshaping the UAE's traditional tourist profile. 'Ramadan used to be considered a quiet time for travel,' said Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE. 'But the patterns we're seeing now tell a different story. Our data shows the UAE is increasingly attracting new visitors that bring fresh spending behaviours and preferences. Travellers are also adapting to changing economic conditions, which we see in how long they stay and how they spend.' With Ramadan no longer seen as a slow season, the UAE's tourism dynamics are clearly shifting—bringing new energy to a historically quieter travel window. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ramadan travel to UAE up 6%: Visa
Ramadan 2025 has marked a turning point in how global travellers engage with the UAE, with new data from Visa showing a 6 percent year-on-year increase in visitors and a sharp shift in both traveller profiles and spending behaviour. Released ahead of the Arabian Travel Market, Visa's Travel Pulse Q1-2025 report revealed emerging markets delivered unexpected spending, with a 111 percent increase in spending among visitors from Azerbaijan, followed by Tajikistan (81 percent), and Kyrgyzstan (62 percent). The report also showed that mid-market travellers (non-premium Visa cardholders) were the primary segment of travellers during Ramadan, accounting for 45 percent of total international visitor spend, up from 41 percent in non-Ramadan periods. The visitor mix is also evolving, with a surge in inbound tourism from Central and Eastern Europe, led by the Czech Republic (86 percent increase compared to the rest of the year), Romania (67 percent), Poland (63 percent), and Germany (44 percent) - markets that are reshaping the UAE's traditional tourist profile. Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE, said, 'Ramadan used to be considered as a quiet time for travel. But the patterns we're seeing now tell a different story. Our data shows the UAE is increasingly attracting new visitors that bring new spending behaviours and preferences. We're seeing travellers adapt to changing economic conditions, which is reflected in the duration of their stay and how they spend.'
