United Arab Emirates
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The UAE is one of the key target markets for the tourism sector in Azerbaijan whose importance is currently growing, as witnessed by the rise in the number of guests, overnight stays and expenditures.
Significance for Azerbaijan
Between 2015-16 the number of tourists from the UAE to Azerbaijan increased by 2,1%. The reason for the sharp increase was the simplified visa regime for UAE citizens. In 2018, the highest rate of Emirati tourists was observed during March, July and August, which are the months of the Ramadan and Kurban holidays. UAE tourists appreciate Azerbaijan’s history, culture, nature, hospitality, cuisine and mix of modern look and ancient soul, as well as it being a Muslim-friendly country. UAE travellers can fly directly from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The UAE guest
UAE tourists are some of the highest spending travellers in the world. A large percentage of travellers from the UAE travel abroad with their family (6 to 12 people, including maids). Tourists tend to stay longer, as they spend about 15 nights on long holiday trips abroad. A UAE passport is one of the world’s most useful.
Information sources: The internet, friends’ recommendations, videos, magazines, TV programmes, social networks.
High online usage: YouTube and Instagram are huge social media apps in the UAE. The average daily time a UAE resident spends using social media is 2 hours 56 minutes.
Travel decision-making: Last-minute bookings increased in 2018. Multi-day tours and activities are being booked further in advance and becoming the preferred option for travellers. Convenience is a key selling point as travellers no longer need to spend time planning various activities.
Means of transport: UAE tourists mostly travel by plane.
Main holiday interests: City holidays, family/children’s resorts, shopping, nightlife, nature and eco-tourism, wellness and medical treatment, sports events.
Activities: Sightseeing, going to restaurants and clubs, shopping.
Preferences for destination choice: Things which aren’t available in the UAE, visa-free regime, safety, being Muslim-friendly, the hospitality, gastronomy, excellent range of 4-5 stars hotels and places to go with children.
Most visited places: Baku, Gabala, Sheki, Guba.
Regional Manager for Middle East