Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: File
Approximately 80 per cent of travellers in the UAE are keen on visiting destinations known for their starry nights and nocturnal environments. This insight was shared by experts during a travel forum in Dubai.
"Our research indicates that 80 per cent of UAE travellers are interested in destinations with darker skies, offering stargazing experiences," said Carlo Olejniczak, Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for booking.com, in an interview with Khaleej Times. "This trend is evident worldwide, with two-thirds of global travellers seeking similar experiences, but the interest is notably higher in the UAE. I found this quite surprising."
Carlo made these remarks during the Skift Global Forum East, which took place in Dubai on Wednesday. He also highlighted that 53 per cent of UAE travellers prefer cooler climates when choosing their travel destinations. Many travellers also adjust their activities to avoid the heat, with 74 per cent engaging in night-time pursuits to escape the daytime heat, and 77 per cent planning activities during early mornings or evenings to minimize sun exposure.
Carlo noted that wellness travel has gained significant traction recently. "Three-quarters of travellers in the UAE are willing to pay for a vacation focused solely on enhancing their health and wellness," he stated. "Additionally, 86 per cent are eager to try new wellness activities during their trips."
He further explained that technology is playing a crucial role in travel planning. "85 per cent of respondents in the UAE believe that technology will help them make more informed travel decisions," he said. "Moreover, 71 per cent plan to use AI to curate personalized itineraries, and 85 per cent will rely on technology to discover less crowded destinations."
Interestingly, 25 per cent of UAE residents admitted to not sharing lesser-known destinations on social media to keep them exclusive. Carlo also mentioned that booking.com is integrating AI into its trip-planning services to offer a more personalized experience. "Users can ask specific questions through the app, such as whether a property has charging stations for electric cars or allows pets, and AI will scan the available information to provide the best response," he explained. The AI system, currently operational in seven European countries, has received positive feedback and will soon be rolled out globally.
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