Top 10 source markets have mostly shown an increase in air connectivity
Reflecting a rise of 1.2 million seats, travel intelligence firm Mabrian has announced that over 152 million airline seats have been scheduled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this year’s Hajj, that got underway on June 4.
In a press statement, Mabrian says that air travel scheduled between June 1 to 9 has risen by 3 pc. The pilgrimage itself is expected to take place from June 4–8, drawing millions of Muslim visitors to one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
It adds that the top 10 source markets have mostly shown an increase in air connectivity. Brazil recorded an 8.2 pc increase, followed by Germany, Japan, Spain, Türkiye the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and Italy. China was the only exception, with a 3 pc decrease.
As per statement, among countries with large Muslim populations, Malaysia saw the highest growth in seat capacity at 12.6 pc, followed by Egypt, Ethiopia and Pakistan. Indonesia saw 8.6 pc decline.
The statement says that average stays for pilgrims varies from 1.8 nights for domestic visitors to 3.1 nights for international travellers. Egyptians, Indonesians, and Malaysians each average 3.1 nights, while British pilgrims stay for about 2.5 nights. Mabrian said that 88 pc of visitors choose hotels, while 12 pc have opted for apartments or other types of accommodation.
Mabrian says that accommodation data shows that 35.2 pc of hotel guests stayed in 5-star hotels, 28 pc in 4-star, and 19.5 pc in 3-star hotels. The remaining 17 pc chose alternative lodging. Couples accounted for 50 pc of hotel stays, followed by families, groups of friends or extended families and solo travellers.
Apartment users largely travelled in groups, with 52 pc booking for 3–5 people, 21 pc for more than five, 25 pc for two, and 2 pc travelling alone.
“Hajj is not only a profound spiritual journey, but also a major global travel event. Our data highlights how destinations, airlines, and accommodation providers may adapt to the evolving needs of religious travellers, a key and growing segment globally,” says Carlos Cendra, Partner, Director, Marketing and Communications, Mabrian.
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