The rapid rise and time spent on devices cannot make headlines any more, however the pace at which this change is taking place can make heads turn. One such remarkable number has been released by the latest third quarter 2017 data, courtesy Expedia group. International mobile business into the UAE has increased significantly compared to the same period last year.
Data shows travellers from the United States lead with almost 35 per cent of room night demand made via mobile or tablet – almost a 60 per cent year-on-year increase compared to the same period last year. This is followed by travellers from the United Kingdom at a little over 20 per cent which is an increase of almost 25 per cent and 5 per cent from France which is a year-on-year increase of around 80 per cent. BIG TRENDS Demand for travel into the UAE, including non-mobile, has shown a healthy year-on-year increase in demand of over 25 per cent for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Room night demand into the UAE saw growth from travellers globally, with notable growth from European countries such as Ireland (up triple digits year-on-year) and Switzerland (double demand year on year). US demand grew at a steady 5 per cent year on year and travellers from Asia surged, notably from South Korea (up almost 35 per cent year on year).Countries that have shown the highest year-on-year growth in package demand are Switzerland with an almost 130 per cent increase, followed by Germany which saw almost a 45 per cent increase year-on-year