AME Info survey reveals Internet 'best source' for travel and tourism information

The survey, conducted by AME Info, the Middle East's premium online business resource, also highlighted the fact that Middle East carriers are high in the ratings for preferred airlines for leisure travel.

The annual survey, which has gone on sale at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2004, was conducted among users of the site, who are typically high net worth business people with an interest in the Middle East. A total of 2,663 people from around the world participated in the survey with a GCC component of 1,967 people.

"The Internet emerged as the by far the most popular tool for researching destinations and comparing travel prices with the vast majority of respondents using it," said Miriam Pensa, Director of Business Intelligence, AMEInfo.com. "It is interesting to compare this with the relatively few who now rate traditional materials such as brochures, magazines and books as useful in finding out about holiday options."

However, when it comes to making the booking, travel agents are still the most popular booking channel. Few of those surveyed had used the Internet to actually book or pay for flights, accommodation or car hire for their last holiday - many as a result of fear over possible credit card abuse.

The survey also revealed that three out of the top five preferred airlines for leisure travel are Middle East carriers - a contrast to the previous survey where European and Far Eastern carriers dominated the top positions.

"While the marked preference for Middle East carriers was noticeable in the survey, events of the past year have raised security concerns and other geopolitical reasons could have had an impact on some of the airlines, including British Airways," said Lars Nielsen, VP Sales and Marketing, AMEInfo.com

Among the GCC respondents in Credit/Charge Card Ownership category, American Express card holders had the highest income profile with half of respondents earning above US$60k per annum. However, the most widely owned card among the respondents in the region is Visa.

The AME Info Online Travel Survey was carried out in conjunction with sponsors American Express, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Gulf Air and Thrifty Car Rental.

Award-winning AME Info is the Middle East's leading provider of regional business news, content and analysis. Site content is delivered to Reuters, Dow Jones, FT, American Express, HSBC, MSN Arabia and Palm Arabic as well as AvantGo.