Egypt, Malaysia and Indonesia top holiday destinations for Saudi consumers: MasterCard Survey

In particular, consumers from Kuwait (71%) are looking forward to holidays abroad, followed by consumers from the UAE (51%) and Saudi Arabia (30%).

Egypt (as indicated by 30% of consumers), Malaysia (24%) and Indonesia (23%) rank as favorite destinations among Saudi consumers. 100% of Saudi consumers who said they would spend on international personal air travel in the next six months said it was either very important or important discretionary spending for them.

The survey on consumer confidence and purchasing priorities was conducted by MasterCard Worldwide from 23 March to 18 April 2009 and involved 9,211 consumers from 21 markets. Data collection was via personal, telephone and Computer Aided Telephone interviews, with the questionnaire translated to the local language wherever appropriate and necessary. The survey does not represent MasterCard financial performance.

Raghu Malhotra, area business head, Gulf countries, MasterCard Worldwide said;

"Through our ongoing research efforts, we are able to gain in-depth insight into what consumers want. We are committed to working closely with our customers as well as merchants across the Middle East to provide the best in benefits and privileges to MasterCard cardholders when they are going about their daily purchases whether at home or overseas."

Traveling in comfort and luxury is prized by consumers when they vacation abroad. MasterCard
Titanium, Platinum & World cardholders are set to benefit from exclusive lifestyle experiences through the MasterCard Premium Collection of privileges.

The MasterCard Premium Collection provides an enticing range of experiences through unique programs, allowing cardholders to enjoy valuable upgrades and preferred access to privileges that suit their lifestyle needs. The range of experiences covers retail, health and wellness, dining and entertainment, and travel-related benefits.

The MasterCard Premium Collection of offers includes:
- MasterCard Experiences and Offers: MasterCard Premium cardholders will be able to enjoy customized experiences, such as cruising around Tuscany (Italy) in a Ferrari or a cooking school vacation in Italy or France.
- MasterCard Moments: MasterCard Moments offers a wide range of customized privileges that can be viewed online to the convenience of MasterCard cardholders. Whether cardholders want to escape to a luxury hotel in China, savor the cuisine of France or pamper themselves in the Maldives, the MasterCard Moments collection offers have been catered to meet various cardholder's lifestyle needs.
- Global Hotel Offers: Whether cardholders are traveling to London (UK), Berlin (Germany), Belek or Bodrum in Turkey or Beirut (Lebanon) MasterCard has collaborated with leading hotel chains to provide MasterCard cardholders value-added offers when booking their stay.

- Middle East & Levant Offers: For MasterCard Premium cardholders wishing to explore more of the Middle East & Levant, MasterCard has collaborated with leading merchants to give cardholders great offers and incentives. Cardholders can benefit from relaxing spa packages, renting a car, as well as, exclusive benefits at some of the Middle East's top hotels and resorts.