UAE Sees 56% Rise in Holiday Bookings for National Day
With the festive season and National Day long weekend around the corner, UAE residents are making travel plans for their winter getaways. Bookings for this holiday season have skyrocketed by 56% compared to last year, showing an increase in demand as travelers snap up early deals to avoid peak season prices. Travel experts have also noted a nearly 11% increase in airfares, with round-trip tickets to nearby destinations now averaging over AED 2,800.
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Top Travel Destinations for UAE Residents
Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, highlighted that this season’s bookings show a high demand for cultural destinations just hours from the UAE. "Nearby destinations like Istanbul, Tbilisi, Baku, and Amman are popular choices for UAE residents looking for cultural experiences," Pittie shared. This trend toward early booking also reflects a shift, with 30% of travelers choosing destinations that require visas.
Pittie added, "Many UAE residents are still securing early deals ahead of the National Day holidays despite the rise in airfare, which has gone up by nearly 11%."
Growing Demand for Winter Travel
The winter season brings high travel demand, with more UAE residents eager to experience snowfall and winter landscapes. According to Pavan Poojary, a travel expert at Luxury Travels in Abu Dhabi, winter is a peak travel season for UAE residents. “Many clients book early to ensure their winter and summer travels are set. There’s a strong interest in destinations with snowfall, particularly from those on a budget who prefer places like Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan,” he explained.
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Snow Destinations for Different Budgets
For those with larger budgets, winter holidays in Europe remain a favorite, especially for travelers with Schengen visas. “Our clients with Schengen visas often look to visit countries like Finland, Austria, and the Czech Republic for winter experiences,” Poojary said. For those without Schengen visas, Turkey and Balkan countries like Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia are popular alternatives, offering unique winter experiences with fewer visa requirements.
National Day Holiday Packages in High Demand
To meet the increased demand, platforms like Holiday Factory are offering holiday packages to various countries for the National Day and winter holidays. Many of these packages, including popular destinations like Uzbekistan, Rome, Greece, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan, are selling out quickly. The surge in holiday planning reflects the eagerness of UAE residents to explore new places and take advantage of the long National Day weekend.
As UAE travelers prepare to make the most of the upcoming holiday season, travel experts recommend early booking to secure the best deals, especially as prices continue to rise with growing demand.