Travel/Tourism
Knowing Where Travellers Come From is Key to Meeting Their Wants and Needs
By Rachel Irvine
We live in an age of hyper-personalisation. Every ad you see online, every show you watch, and every book you read is recommended to you based on your tastes and preferences (however badly some companies may do it). The travel industry is no different. No destination or accommodation provider can cater to every single person’s travel desires.
It’s therefore critical that they know who they’re likely to appeal to and market themselves accordingly. A good starting point when it comes to doing so is identifying which countries make up the majority of guests and visitors. That’s because, while there’s obviously variation within countries, it is possible to pick up broad preferences and drill down to more individualised preferences from there.
Doing so not only means that players in the travel and hospitality sector are better placed to understand why they’re hitting the mark with citizens from certain countries, but also that they can ensure they’re targeting the right people with the right message at the right time.
Understanding country preferences
But what do these preferences look like? McKinsey’s The state of travel and hospitality 2024 report provides some useful insights. The report, which reveals that the travel industry is on track for full recovery by the end of 2024 and that luxury travel is the fastest-growing segment, also provides some interesting insights into what people from different countries are looking for in their travel experiences.
Sixty-nine per cent of Chinese tourists, for example, said they plan to visit a famous sight on their next trip, versus the 20% of European and North American travellers who said the same. Respondents living in the UAE, meanwhile, also favour iconic destinations as well as shopping and outdoor activities.
In other words, city hotels might have an easier time attracting Chinese tourists if they’re close to a famous landmark, while somewhere that bills itself as a quiet retreat or which is centred around interesting food experiences may find it easier to attract European and North American tourists.
Attracting German and UK visitors
Those are all important markets for the African travel sector, as are Germany and the UK. According to a report from SA Tourism, outbound travel to sub-Saharan Africa from Germany is growing by 21.2% annually. And in the first quarter of 2024, 125 420 UK tourists visited South Africa alone, a 5.3% increase on 2023. In Kenya, the UK and Germany were fourth and sixth in terms of 2023 tourist arrivals to the country, growing by 19% and 46% respectively. It’s therefore especially critical to know what the preferences for these markets are too.
According to the McKinsey survey, both Germans (45%) and UK citizens (38%) place importance on “getting away from it all”. Both also like beach getaways, expressing “soaking in the sun” at twice the rate of American respondents as the main reason they travel.
A study from TGM Research, meanwhile, found that the top three needs for German tourists are quality and comfort, security, and competitive prices. Their favoured activities are beach and leisure, cultural and gastronomic, and shopping. While UK residents have the same top three needs, they’re more security conscious than Germans. They’re also more invested in beach and leisure activities than their German counterparts.
Another growing travel trend is sustainability. According to a 2022 report carried out by Opinium on behalf of the Spanish Tourist Office, 86% of UK tourists value sustainability as either ‘important’ or ‘very important’ when selecting a holiday destination. A 2023 study by Germany’s Environmental Protection Agency (UBA), meanwhile found that “61% of the population have a positive attitude towards sustainable holiday travel.” This shows that destinations and providers targeting these markets can gain mileage by punting their green credentials, but only if they’re actually earned.
Interestingly, neither value traditional hospitality marketing initiatives such as loyalty programmes and hotel branding as much as visitors from China, the UAE, and North America. Make no mistake, there’s still value in such programmes but it does show that there’s room for innovation in these markets, particularly in the luxury segment.
The right marketing partner
Of course, knowing what a country’s preferences are and marketing to those preferences are two different things. It’s therefore critical to choose marketing partners that don’t just know how to market effectively according to specific insights but also have deep knowledge and understanding of the markets you’re trying to reach.
That’s important for a few reasons. The first is that they can ensure that your messaging will actually land in those markets. They understand what tone and language to use and also which platforms to target with that messaging. Perhaps most importantly, however, they can take the insights around a particular market and drill deeper into it, providing additional levels of personalisation.
Positioned for growth
Ultimately, even as travel numbers to Africa from the UK, Germany, and other markets keep growing, players across the hospitality sector must remember that success isn’t guaranteed. That means understanding their customers as deeply as possible and working with experienced marketing and communications partners who can turn those insights into results.
Rachel Irvine is the CEO of Irvine Partners
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To strengthen African trade and diaspora connections, one of the leading airlines in Nigeria, Air Peace, partnered with the Africa Diaspora Investment Network Alliance (ADINA) for its summit held in Ghana on December 27, 2024.
The airline operator said it backed the event to solidify its commitment to fostering stronger ties between Africa and its global diaspora.
The programme facilitated conversations around trade, investment, and economic empowerment, positioning the diaspora as a significant force for Africa’s economic transformation.
At the summit held at the Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel in Accra, the Head of Sales and Business Development at Air Peace, Mr Davids Odeyemi, emphasized the airline’s mission to connect Africa and its diaspora.
He highlighted Air Peace’s extensive network, which offers seamless travel solutions for diasporans seeking to reconnect with their roots, explore their heritage, and invest in Africa’s burgeoning markets.
Mr Odeyemi also reaffirmed the airline’s role as a driver of intra-African trade, enhancing connectivity to enable the movement of goods, services, and people, thereby creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
Air Peace’s partnership with the ADINA Summit also aligns with its broader commitment to promoting tourism and showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The airline’s continuous investment in a modern fleet underscores its determination to provide a world-class travel experience, reinforcing its position as a catalyst for African development.
The programme underscored the critical role of diaspora remittances in bolstering local economies, with discussions focusing on the potential of the diaspora to surpass traditional foreign direct investments.
Air Peace, through this partnership, gained access to a high-level network of African and diaspora leaders, creating opportunities to connect with talent, clients, and collaborators while amplifying its branding and marketing initiatives.
By actively participating in the ADINA Summit 2024, Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the continent’s future. This partnership exemplifies the airline’s leadership in African aviation and its unwavering commitment to driving progress across the continent. Together with ADINA, Air Peace is helping to unlock Africa’s economic potential and strengthen its global connections.
By Dipo Olowookere
The Enugu Christmas Village has been commissioned by the Minister of Arts, Tourism, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Ms Hanatu Musawa; and the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mba.
This development officially kicked off the holiday season in the state, giving residents and others from across Nigeria and outside the opportunity to relax in an atmosphere of love, positioning Enugu as a key destination for cultural and holiday tourism.
Facilitated by Omu Resort, a leading tourism promoter in Africa, the Enugu Christmas Village is set to become the heartbeat of holiday celebrations in the state.
The company has already organised a 25-day festival at the village designed to attract residents, visitors, and dignitaries from across the region.
With its vibrant atmosphere and festive attractions, the Enugu Christmas Village boasts an array of attractions such as a waterpark, roller skating, archery, amusement rides, and much more.
At its centre is a breathtaking display of 500,000 Christmas lights, illuminating the village in a magical glow that promises to captivate visitors of all ages.
The festival goes beyond the lights and rides, offering a rich tapestry of events that celebrate the state’s cultural heritage.
Highlights include Afrobeat Concert, Praise Night, Highlife Concert Street Carnival, Cultural Parade and a Grand Fireworks Show.
One of the most anticipated moments is the Santa Street Storm, where over 100 Santa Claus figures riding tricycles will parade through the streets, distributing gifts to orphanages and the less privileged, spreading joy and goodwill.
Running from December 7 to December 31, 2024, the Enugu Christmas Festival is more than just a celebration of the holiday season. It underscores the state’s cultural vibrancy and its potential as a leading tourist destination.
The festival offers a unique opportunity for families and friends to come together, celebrate, and unwind in a festive atmosphere. It is also expected to fosters unity and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Enugu State, while promoting arts, tourism, and community well-being.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading airline operators, Emirates Airline, has officially unveiled its first Airbus A350-900 at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai attended by aerospace partners, government officials and dignitaries, members of the media, as well as aviation enthusiasts.
The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats.
The latest onboard products reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering a premium passenger experience while optimising operational efficiency. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008.
Apart from its newly delivered A350, Emirates operates two other aircraft types around the world to 140 destinations – the widebody Boeing 777 aircraft and the iconic ‘double decker’ Airbus A380 aircraft.
The A350’s introduction will enable Emirates to expand into new destinations globally, including mid-sized airports unsuited for larger aircraft. The Emirates A350 will be delivered in two versions – one for regional routes and one for ultra long-haul routes.
The Emirates A350 takes technology to another level. Customers can now adjust their electric window blinds at the touch of a button.
The aerBlade dual blind system will feature in Business and Premium Economy Class offering two shaded options, and the aerBlade single blind systems will make a debut in Economy Class, with all blinds showing the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed.
Business Class on the Emirates A350 will feature 32 luxurious leather ‘S Lounge seats’, inspired by the Mercedes S Class for an exceptional travel experience. The A350 aircraft will feature brand new additions of wireless charging on the side cocktail table in Business Class, and in-seat lighting controls with 5 streams of light. The 1-2-1 seat configuration in the A350 Business Class ensures a very private, exclusive experience.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of Emirates Airline, Mr Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said, “Today is an exciting milestone for Emirates as we showcase our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network growth.
“This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to spread its wings farther by offering added range, efficiency and flexibility to our network, enabling us to meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities that we serve.
“Onboard, our updated interiors and seating configurations will help us deliver a more elevated and comfortable experience to travellers across every cabin class.
“The 65 Emirates A350s joining our fleet in the coming years fit into the airline’s broader plans to support our visionary leadership’s Dubai’s D33 Strategy, which will transform the city into a pivotal hub in the global economy by expanding its connectivity and reach.”
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