Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: File
Several young people, especially Gen Z-ers, are opting for budget travel during the UAE National Day break. Travel agents report that they are traveling in groups with friends to cut down on costs. “Young travelers — millennials and Gen Z — are making up a larger share of our bookings this year, with a growing emphasis on budget-friendly, experience-rich trips,” said Ashiya Nazar, CEO of Akbar Travels. “Younger travelers are particularly drawn to destinations offering a mix of cultural activities, culinary experiences, and adventure sports.” A recent study by online travel agency Musafir.com revealed that young travelers aged 22-27 are increasingly choosing unique, budget-friendly destinations with packages ranging from Dh2,500 to Dh3,500 per person. According to the agency’s COO Raheesh Babu, the share of friends groups in bookings is increasing. “Currently, family trips account for 35 per cent of bookings, followed by couples at 30, groups of friends at 15 per cent, and solo travelers at 12.”
According to one agent, many youngsters are choosing to travel, especially since the Covid pandemic. “From our personal experience, the younger generations prioritize travel,” said Muhammed Azeer, CEO of The Road Tales. “Many lean towards group trips for budget reasons. Group trips allow individuals to split costs for accommodations, transportation, and activities, making travel more affordable.” He said they also seek out the best rates. “Their spending varies widely depending on the destination and type of trip,” he said. “They favor more budget-friendly options approximately Dh2500 for a trip. Many look for affordable accommodations, often seek out travel packages that offer good deals on flights and activities.” Komal Shandil, General Manager of Go Kite Travels, said that their willingness to travel is an indication that Gen Z-ers value the experiences. “On average, they’re willing to spend anywhere between Dh2,500 and Dh5,000 on their trips, depending on where they’re headed and how long they plan to stay,” she said. “It’s a testament to their adventurous spirit, desire to create lasting memories, and also to engage their social media audience.”
Most youngsters choose destinations based on the experiences they offer. “Popular choices include Thailand and Bali for their beach and wellness offerings, Georgia and Azerbaijan for its scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures, Istanbul and Cappadocia in Turkey for cultural immersion, and Maldives for budget-friendly beach getaways,” said Ashiya. Muhammed added that Turkey was extremely popular in their portfolio but things were changing now. “We have done more than 200 packages in the past 2 years, but the visa challenges are definitely affecting the youngsters' interest,” he said. “They tend to travel to visa-free countries like Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. These countries are more budget-friendly and often have very easy visa processes and less rejection.”
Agents said ticket prices for the National Day holidays had already peaked, making it a more expensive affair for last-minute bookings. “Ticket prices for National Day typically peak in September, once families return from their summer vacations, as it is the next short holiday break,” said Kunaal Nanik, Director of Marcopolo Holidays. Komal added that varying rates of increase in ticket prices could be seen. “We’re seeing increases that can range anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent compared to regular fares,” she said. “It’s a reflection of the surge in demand as everyone looks to make the most of this festive time.”
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