Unveiling OTA Dynamics: Global vs Regional Overview

In the context of the United Arab Emirates, the influence of OTAs, categorized as Global and Regional, paints a nuanced picture of booking behaviors and patterns.

Global OTAs lead the bookings for UAE with a staggering 65% share

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However, Dominant Regional OTAs can’t be missed.

Regional OTAs from Asia and Europe show strong numbers and growth, indicating – unsurprisingly – Asia and Europe as top origins for UAE.

Share of Bookings by OTA Type: Quarter on Quarter

Source: RateGain Bookings Data | Booking Dates: January 2022 - September 2023 | Q1: Jan-Mar, Q2: Apr-Jun, Q3: Jul-Sep, Q4: Oct-Dec

Source: RateGain Bookings Data | Booking Dates: Jan 2022 - Sep 2022 vs Jan 2023 - Sep 2023

Look out for the Rising Regional OTAs

Regional OTAs, particularly DOTW, TBO, and Trip.com from Asia, showed over 150% growth in bookings. The unsung heroes, however, are the local OTAs – namely, Egypt Express Travel, Rehlat, and Seera Group – from the Middle East that showed phenomenal growth in bookings.

Global OTAs

Global OTAs such Expedia, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor have dominant presence in more than 2 continents. These industry giants exert a substantial influence on the travel landscape globally.

During January 2022 to October 2023, these accounted for a staggering 65% of total bookings, representing a dominance that spans continents and the trust and preference of travelers for these internationally recognized platforms.

Regional OTAs

OTAs prominent in continents outside the Middle East collectively contribute a handsome 35% of total bookings. These regional OTAs provide diverse options for travelers exploring different parts of the world.

Notably, the share of regional OTAs to Middle East has grown by ~70% — from 25% in Q1 2022 to close to 40% in Q2 & Q3 2023. One of the key reasons for this rise is the growth of international travel to the Middle East as the industry started recovering in the post-COVID era.

This breakdown underscores the multifaceted nature of the OTA landscape, where global giants set the stage, local platforms cater to regional tastes, and regional players contribute to a rich tapestry of options. Hoteliers and industry professionals can leverage this understanding to tailor their strategies, ensuring they align with the diverse booking preferences of their target audience.