A global study commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) that surveyed kids between five and 12 years old has revealed that 93 per cent of Indian children want to participate in activities that help them make new friends. Among the top highlights of the research was the insight that Indian kids are looking to explore different cultures beyond their own borders, making cultural curiosity the new thing among the younger generation.
According to the study, more than three in four Indian kids want to visit a museum on holiday. Today’s generation of Indian children is also more inclined to visit food markets, explore diverse cultures and do other similar activities.
The independent research surveyed over 7,000 parents and children across multiple markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, India, China, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The results revealed that:
Food plays a significant role in driving young Indian travellers, with over 90 per cent of kids wanting to visit food markets as an opportunity to learn more about different cultures.
As many as 96 per cent want to visit water parks and play water sports, with these activities making holidays more adventurous and amusing.
As many as 80 per cent of children are keen to visit grand places, while the same number are interested in seeing how people live and doing things like experiencing climbing lessons (79 per cent) on holidays.
His Excellency Nouf Mohamed Al-Bushlaibi, the Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “As both a parent and a marketer, I know firsthand how important it is to really listen to kids, to understand what lights them up, what sparks their imagination and what makes a holiday unforgettable. We commissioned this research to hear what truly matters to children when they look at holidays, and what they told us was inspiring: they want connection, adventure and the freedom to play out the stories they love. Abu Dhabi brings all of that to life as a place where kids can dream big, try new things and feel right at home doing it with their loved ones.”
With the data revealing interesting insights on young Indian travellers, DCT Abu Dhabi has collaborated with kids to co-create a seven-day itinerary, by kids and for kids. The “Kid-Recommended” itinerary comprises theme parks, museums, zoo visits, beach days and plenty of other amazing locations in Abu Dhabi.
For instance, children can enjoy a go-kart experience at the Yas Marina Circuit, get on the world's fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World, play peekaboo with dolphins at the Saadiyat Beach Club, be awed by the wildlife at the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, embark on a kayaking experience through the Jubail Mangrove Park, trawl through artwork at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, savour a storytime adventure at the Abu Dhabi Children's Library, spend a whole day eating and experiencing Warner Bros World on Yas Island, and splash around at the Yas Waterworld, among dozens of other activities.
(With inputs from a press release)
