Chimigi releases results of its syndicated travel and tourism study

It is the second in a series of online studies intended to create greater transparency for both foreign and local companies on the attitudes and behaviours of Iranians consumers and professionals.

The sample included 870 respondents who currently live in Iran and was fielded between October 4th and 7th 2012.

Respondents were asked which airlines they flew with in the past two years, as well as which carrier they favoured most as a brand.

Unsurprising of the popularity of Dubai as a hotspot destination for leisure and business travelers, Emirates found itself unrivaled in the charts. Despite the fact that tickets for the airline are notably more expensive than the country's local alternatives (notably Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Iran Aseman Airlines), Iranians still patently favour the UAE brand.

However, when asked which factors mattered most when choosing an airline, price (26%) stood well above reputation (15%), followed by the quality of flight attendant service (13%), and luxury (13%).

"The majority of Iranians may choose to travel according to the more affordable rates offered by their local airlines," said Amir-Esmaeil Bozorgzadeh, Managing Partner at Conovi, the parent company behind the Iranian online research panel. "Yet they still hold on to the prospect of flying with Emirates and appreciate the brand regardless of their choice to go with the alternatives," he added.

When asked which regions in the world they travel to regularly, the GCC held the top spot at 31%, followed by Asia (26%), Western Europe (21%), Eastern Europe (14%), and the Levant (13%). The majority of respondents stay at hotels while traveling (78%), of which 19% choose to stay at 5-star properties, versus 4-star (41%) and 3-star (25%).

When respondents were surveyed on the popularity of hotel brands, Hilton and Sheraton were the only two international names to stand at double-digit percentiles. In terms of what matters to Iranian travelers most when choosing a hotel, price (35%) and a variety of amenities (31%) were favoured above other factors like location (15%) and luxury (10%).

Respondents were segmented according to three core motives for traveling at least once a year, be it leisure (81%), business (47%), and/or religious tourism (39%) as its basis. 48% of leisure travelers venture off on a holiday at least once every few months, and 17% travel at least once or more each month.

The demographics of the audience consisted of a highly educated audience, 76% of which possess a bachelors degree or higher (20% hold a masters degree). 20% are 18-24 years of age, 53% between 25-34, and 24% between 35-54. The majority of respondents are male (80%), 48% are reportedly single, and 49% are married. 50% lived in households with 3-4 people, while 41% lived with 1-2 people.