UAE Business: Musafir predicts corporate travel recovery this year – Gulf Digital News

UAE Business: Musafir predicts corporate travel recovery this year – Gulf Digital News

Musafir.com, a leading online travel agency, is optimistic about the tourism industry and corporate travel  seeing a gradual rise in demand, driven by increased traveller confidence, preference to personal interaction, vaccinations and the easing of entry restrictions in many destinations.

On average SMEs in the UAE spent an approximately AED250,000 annually (2019) on business travel. Musafir.com estimates travel demand to grow in 2022, bouncing back to 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

Findings gathered from Musafir’s platform indicates that companies/organisations do not plan to limit their business travel as they realise the value of face-to-face interaction and to ensure longevity of business relationships, said a statement.

The findings reveal that businesses are taking a conservative approach by increasing the frequency of travel and limiting the stay per trip to an average 1-3 days - should there be any unforeseen circumstances. 

Riyadh, London, New York, San Francisco and Mumbai are key destinations for UAE corporate travellers - with conferences and trade shows accounting for a significant volume of business trips in addition to other meetings. Data also highlights that the UAE and KSA are seeing a rise in corporate travellers from India, France, USA, Egypt, Pakistan, Germany, UK, Russia and China.