RCI, has commissioned a major research study for the Middle East region that analyses exactly what preferences the Arab tourist has when it comes to choosing holiday accommodation.

Both timeshare and other self-catering models are included within the scope of the survey.

RCI takes pride in advising prospective developers on all they need to know regarding planning successful resorts before the design process begins. Issues such as what their likely source-market will be, what type and size of accommodation their prospective clients want, the range of amenities and acceptable price range are all covered.

According to Ms Vivienne Noyes-Thomas, Managing Director of RCI Middle East, ‘the research will add substantial depth to this advisory process, offering our business partners the very latest regional research combined with the company’s unrivalled global experience.’

The fieldwork for the survey is being undertaken in key Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE and will combine original research data with syndicated and secondary research findings.

Ms Noyes-Thomas continued ‘this major piece of research will be an essential tool to help identify tomorrow’s customers and support developers in their plans to enter the shared ownership market.’

The study addresses purchase criteria such as location preference, propensity to buy timeshare and acceptable price points for different countries and regions. These include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Kaimah, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Makkah and Madinah.

It also takes a first look at the potential appetite for short-term rentals, likely to be a vital component in supporting the twin regional goals of increased tourism and real estate sales.

Ms Noyes-Thomas said, ‘The research will help to accelerate market entry for developers by minimising one of the current obstacles - the lack of regional consumer information. It’s a significant investment to make but we believe very strongly in the region’s potential and see RCI’s role as very much the market-maker.’

The final report will be revealed during the upcoming Cendant / RCI symposium to be held at the world famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, 28 - 29 April. With the theme of ‘New Horizons in Shared Ownership’, the event has attracted substantial support from major business leaders including the UAE’s Minister of Economy and Planning, HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, who will provide the keynote address at the event.
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