The travel industry in the Middle East is experiencing a remarkable boom. Middle Easterners are increasingly seeking international travel experiences. Dubai alone reported a record-breaking 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023.
Travelers are looking for personalized experiences that are more fun and exciting than traditional sightseeing tours. It is high time for travel agencies to tailor international tours to resonate with the preferences of Middle Eastern travelers.
Generic itineraries, a lack of cultural understanding, and language barriers can leave you feeling like an outsider, not an explorer.
In this blog post, we’ll evaluate the key aspects of tourism localization, from understanding the travel tastes of Arab travelers to crafting memorable experiences that cater to their interests.
Understanding Middle Eastern Travelers
Middle Eastern travelers often prioritize family vacations, with statistics showing around 60% of UAE tourists traveling with children. Other than that, cultural immersion and religious considerations are also key factors. It is critical to understand these preferences, which will allow a travel agency to curate experiences that cater to multi-generational families and respect religious beliefs.
Why Does Arabic Translation Matter?
Arab travelers prefer travel information in their native language; it makes it much easier for them to comprehend the content. A large portion of the population can speak English in developed countries like Dubai; however, there is a significant percentage of Middle Easterners who can only speak Arabic. As a travel agency, you must adopt an inclusive approach to target potential travelers. Travel companies can get the best Arabic translation services from a reliable service provider to eliminate the language barrier and communicate with potential Arab tourists in their local language.
When you offer travel brochures, websites, and customer service in the local language, it demonstrates respect and builds trust with potential clients.
Catering to Arab Explorer’s Interests
In Arab countries, people are more likely to travel in groups and with families. People rarely do solo travel, so travel agencies have to adapt their tours and tailor travel packages, keeping in mind Middle Eastern values.
Adapting Accommodation
Many families prefer hotels with interconnected rooms or facilities for extended families. Agencies must offer rooms and suites that allow families to stay together comfortably. You can highlight hotels with facilities designed for families, such as activity clubs, swimming pools with protected children’s areas and babysitting services.
Halal Dining Options
Considering the majority of the Arab population is Muslim, it is important to offer a list of halal restaurants that may also provide room dining options. All food must follow halal dietary restrictions to make the travel experience convenient for Middle Easterners.
Children Friendly Travelling
Arab families usually have more than 2 kids on average, so travel agencies must provide packages that incorporate kids’ activities into their tours, like scavenger hunts at historical sites or interactive museum experiences. Moreover, there is a need to be mindful of travel distances and plan itineraries that avoid long routes, which can be tiring for young children.
Designing Custom Tour Activities
Instead of arranging typical tours with zero flexibility, consider cultural experiences like meeting local artists, wildlife encounters, participation in local competitions, or visits to historical mosques. You can categorize your tour packages catering to diverse interests, e.g., history and culture buffs, relaxation seekers, adventurers, and shopaholics.
Localized Marketing and Communication Strategies
Here are some effective ideas that can help travel agencies provide a better experience to Middle Eastern tourists.
Use Social Media and Influencers
Look for travel influencers with authentic travel experiences that align with the values and interests of Middle Eastern families. Agencies can collaborate on engaging content like Instagram stories highlighting family-friendly activities or blog posts about their experiences at recommended hotels.
Multilingual Marketing Materials
By creating multilingual marketing content, you can eliminate language barriers and demonstrate cultural sensitivity. Travel agencies must translate their website, brochures, and social media content into Arabic. You can get travel translation services from a translation company that will help you localize your brand messaging for your target audience. It allows travelers to easily understand your offerings, which will build trust in your services. Additionally, agencies can also offer downloadable travel guides and e-books in the Arabic language that will be valuable resources for informed decision-making.
Engagement with Local Travel Forums & Groups
There are many travel communities online where Middle Eastern travelers connect, share experiences, and seek recommendations. An agency can engage with these local travel forums to build brand awareness and establish itself as a trusted resource. By participating in discussions, they can offer valuable travel advice, answer questions related to your expertise, and showcase curated routes.
Takeaways
There is a growing demand for customized and culturally sensitive travel experiences among Middle Eastern tourists. It has become crucial for travel agencies to prioritize localization to create a hospitable and comfortable environment for travelers that will enrich their journeys. It will also allow the companies to cope with the competitive tourism industry, where people are looking for personalized international tourism with more convenience.
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