According to a recent report by global travel search engine Skyscanner, seven out of ten UAE residents, or 71 percent, are planning to travel next year. While this year's travel has been more focused on cultural exploration, Skyscanner predicts that 2025 will see a shift towards collective experiences, memory-making, and social connections.
Amanpreet Singh, the global chief commercial & strategy officer at Travelwings, echoes this sentiment, stating that UAE residents are still keen on investing in vacations despite rising geopolitical tensions. He attributes this to a strong desire for relaxation and escape from daily stress. Post-pandemic savings have also increased financial readiness for travel, while the tourism industry has implemented safety measures to reassure travelers.
Singh further notes that unique experiences and bonding with family and friends are driving people to prioritize meaningful travel, often outweighing concerns about global instability. He highlights trends such as nostalgia travel, revisiting childhood dream destinations, and the rise of sleep tourism and wellness retreats.
Dubai resident Deepika Anush, 37, shared her perspective, emphasizing the importance of travel for mental health. She and her husband, who lead busy lives, often choose relaxing destinations for their family holidays. They are planning a trip to Zanzibar in March 2025.
Akram Adel, general manager at Al Tayer Travel, comments on the spending behavior, linking it to the UAE's strong economic stability and high-income levels. Singh from Travelwings also notes that residents are willing to spend between Dh2,500 and Dh5,000 per person on vacations, with younger travelers seeking affordable packages that include cultural and adventure activities.
Skyscanner's report also highlights budget considerations as crucial for UAE travelers. Despite fluctuations in airfares, certain destinations have become more accessible, with a 20-30 percent drop in fares to places like Budapest, Turkey, China, Japan, and Baku. There is also a growing preference for long-haul destinations and luxury travel experiences.
The travel trends for 2025, according to Skyscanner, include astrotourism, game-themed travel, immersive art experiences, horticulture tourism, sports-related travel, and wellness-focused trips.
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