Hertz UAE reports increase in US car rental bookings

London, Paris, Zurich and some other familiar European destinations remain most popular with UAE travellers this summer, but more are turning to the US as the lure of the great American adventure returns.

While growth in outbound travel from the Middle East to the US has been slow and volumes are still well below pre-9/11 levels, Hertz UAE says recent trends in overseas car rental bookings suggest America is gradually winning back Middle East visitors.

Set up two months ago to deal with all international car rental reservations from the UAE, a new Hertz dedicated call centre, as expected, has been busiest in dealing with European bookings.

“But the USA is picking up, with New York and Washington DC leading the way,” said Bob Farrow, General Manager of Hertz UAE. “Judging from what my Hertz colleagues in other Middle East countries tell me, this is a general trend for the region, and we believe it’s one that will continue.”

“The low dollar is obviously having an effect, and it was always inevitable that travel from the Middle East to the US, which fell so dramatically after 9/11, would eventually start picking up.”

The bulk of outbound car rental bookings made through the new Hertz UAE international reservations centre in Dubai have been for travellers collecting cars at London Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, as well as Vienna, Geneva, Zurich and Munich.

While travellers to the UK generally opt for standard cars such as the Ford Mondeo and in France the Renault Megane 1.6, those heading for Switzerland and Austria prefer seven to nine-seat vehicles such as the Ford Galaxy and Mercedes Vito. Businessmen on trips to Germany choose premium BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Volvo models.

The Hertz UAE international reservations centre handles all business and leisure car rental requirements for UAE residents travelling to destinations in Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia.

In addition to car rentals, callers are giving advice on hotels, local rules and regulations, and what to do and see at their chosen destination. They can also get an International Driving Licence.

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