As Ramadan 2024 is ending, travel agencies in the UAE have noticed an increase in bookings for longer and more exotic vacations. Many UAE residents are planning to travel outside of the region. Musafir.com reports that approximately 25-28% of bookings are for extended holiday packages. This booking surge is attributed to the Eid Al Fitr holidays aligning with school spring breaks, allowing families to enjoy more extended vacations.
Mahesh Babu, Musafir.com's COO, and Emily Jenkins, DW Travel's Senior Manager, confirm the growing preference for flexible working arrangements, citing rising airline costs as a key driver.
Source: Arabian.Business.com/Destinations around the world, the UAE residents are keen to visit.
According to a report by DW Travel's Emily Jenkins, Greece, Switzerland, and France are still popular tourist destinations in Europe. Some CIS countries also attract visitors due to their cultural richness and easy visa application process. In addition, many Asian countries, such as Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, are becoming popular because of their accessible visa regulations. Renowned travel websites have noticed a trend towards experiential travel, which includes unique experiences like safari trips in East Africa and wellness itineraries in Qatar.
Another top vacation destination UAE residents consider is Paris in the Middle East. Lebanon's capital, Beirut, is an enchanting destination and one of the oldest cities in the world. Full of energy and character, it is a place to spend days sightseeing, socialising, and shopping. The people in Beirut are some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, and travelling there can be flexible depending on the type of traveller and budget.
Last but not least, the option that the UAE residents are looking at is Sri Lanka. For an escape filled with just the right amount of adventure, culture, and wellness – look no further than Sri Lanka. Say ayubowan (hello) to endless green landscapes, tree plantations, wildlife, rainforests, and waterfalls. You can fill your itinerary with as many or as few day trips as you wish (taking time out to sip locally-grown tea by the infinity pool is acceptable and encouraged). Some of the main attractions in Sri Lanka include taking the picturesque train ride from Kandy to Ella, climbing Sigiriya Rock, and checking out some beautiful beaches, including Dalawella.
The convergence of Eid break with school vacations presents an excellent opportunity for travellers to plan extended vacations. It will also boost the hotels and entertainment industries, whose businesses are usually down during Ramadan. The travel sector is poised to cater to the heightened demand for vacation travel, both outbound and inbound to the UAE.
Another shift experts observe is travellers planning travel 2-4 months ahead of holidays. Concerns over pricing and availability of affordable hotels primarily drive this change, a marked departure from the previous standard last-minute bookings. This early planning trend underscores the growing importance of securing the best deals and ensuring availability amidst increasing demand. As the travel industry adapts to these evolving preferences, the future of holiday travel is geared towards more personalised, extended, and culturally rich experiences, offering travellers a world of new possibilities to explore.
Despite being a tourist attraction, Dubai and the region are allowing residents to explore more, which will, in a sublime way, help the region's reputation for positivity and enhance its economy.