Impact on Consumer Behavior in MEA: COVID-19 Survey Snapshot - Week 5

Impact on Consumer Behavior in MEA: COVID-19 Survey Snapshot - Week 5

Summary

GlobalData is carrying out weekly consumer surveys in 11 countries between 25th March and 31st May 2020, to track consumer sentiment and shopping behavior during the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. The sample size is 500 respondents per country, per week. The two countries in scope for Middle East & Africa are South Africa and UAE. Questions are consistent every week, and cover consumer opinions about COVID-19, buying behavior and product choices and impact of the Coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak on consumers' lifestyle and activities. This report summarizes the key findings from responses in week 5.

Key Highlights

- No respondents are not concerned in South Africa. Those extremely concerned about the outbreak of COVID-19 has risen by 2% in comparison to week 4. The destination has had some of the strictest lockdown measures in place worldwide since 27th March where even walking for exercise was banned. 1st May 2020, saw South Africa enter ‘level 4’, the next phase in an easing of restrictions across the destination.
- 45% of respondents in the UAE see the effects of COVID-19 getting a lot/bit worse over the next month. This is still high but has actually decreased 2% since week 4 results.
- Personalization is a major theme within the future of travel. In both South Africa and the UAE, a product/service tailored to a travelers needs and personality is held in high regard. With browsing time on social media and digital platforms having significantly increased, this highlights opportunity for companies to create targeted content aimed at certain demographics and collect data to improve understanding of each consumer base. As both destinations start to ease lockdown restrictions it is clear that uncertainty prevails, therefore tailored content directly targeted at individuals may ease consumer doubt.
- Over the past week, those spending significantly more time on social media in South Africa has increased by 3% to 26%. As uncertainty prevails across the travel space, online reviews/blogs will be hold greater sway for both domestic and international travel.

Scope

- This report provides an insight into how the coronavirus pandemic is shaping consumer sentiment in South Africa and UAE.
- It summarizes key findings from the survey ‘s responses and offers insight into how destinations and industry players can adapt to meet changing demands and needs.

Reasons to Buy

- Gain access to primary survey data results.
- Understand how the coronavirus pandemic is changing consumer attitudes.
- Assess how you can adapt your business plans and strategies to better meet these changing needs.