Musafir.com unveils top consumer travel trends shaping travel preferences of the UAE travellers in 2025
1. Trending Destinations for Leisure Travel in 2025 for UAE Travellers
Destinations like the Maldives, Bali, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and the USA are topping the list for UAE travelers. There is also a growing preference for exploring off-the-beaten-path locations that offer unique and memorable experiences. Closer to home, regional hotspots such as Jeddah, Riyadh, Abha, Qatar, and Salalah remain popular, alongside staycations within the UAE, which continue to appeal to residents.
2. High-Demand Travel Experiences
Travelers are seeking more meaningful and diverse experiences.
Surge in Adventure Travel – Outdoor exploration, including hiking, mountain climbing, and trekking, is increasingly popular. Top destinations include Nepal (Everest Base Camp), Switzerland (Swiss Alps), New Zealand (Southern Alps), Japan (Mount Fuji), and Jordan (Wadi Rum).
Growing Demand for Wellness Retreats – Spa treatments, yoga, and mental wellness experiences are in high demand. Leading wellness destinations include Thailand (Chiang Mai and Phuket), Bali (Indonesia for yoga retreats), India (Kerala and Rishikesh for Ayurveda and spiritual healing), Switzerland (Swiss Alps for relaxation retreats), and the UAE (Al Wadi Desert for luxury wellness).
Cultural Tourism on the Rise – Travelers are drawn to destinations rich in history, art, and immersive cultural experiences. Notable locations include Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice), Greece (Athens, Santorini), Egypt (Cairo, Luxor), Japan (Kyoto), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona), Morocco (Marrakech, Fez) and Bhutan.
Winter Getaways in High Demand – Snow-covered destinations offering skiing and winter sports continue to attract visitors. Popular choices include Switzerland (Zermatt, St. Moritz), Austria (Vienna, Innsbruck), France (Chamonix, Grenoble), Canada (Banff, Whistler), CIS countries like Georgia (Tbilisi, Gudauri), Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Samarkand), Kazakhstan (Almaty) and Azerbaijan (Baku).
Rising Interest in Cruise Travel – Cruises have seen a strong resurgence, with increasing bookings for seacation packages. Leading cruise lines include Resort World Cruises, Costa Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
UAE Staycations Continue to Thrive – Domestic travel remains a favorite, with high demand for luxury staycations. Dubai is a top choice for resorts with private pools and theme park access, Ras Al Khaimah offers nature-driven retreats, and Abu Dhabi attracts visitors with its beachfront resorts and desert escapes.
3. Shifting Preferences for International Travel
Travelers are showing a marked preference for longer 7-9 day immersive international trips, particularly to remote or culturally rich destinations. Instead of traditional sightseeing, they are gravitating toward experiences that allow them to connect with local cultures, cuisines, and traditions, reflecting a desire for more meaningful and authentic journeys.
A key trend emerging is the growth of beisure travel (business + leisure), where business travelers are extending their work trips for leisure activities. This allows them to explore new destinations, experience local cultures, and rejuvenate before or after their business engagements.
4. Social Media and Influencer Impact
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube play a significant role in shaping travel decisions. Influencers spotlight exotic destinations, unique activities, and practical travel tips, making them a vital source of inspiration for travelers. These platforms have become key drivers in promoting new experiences and destinations.
5. Experiences over Luxury
A growing number of travelers are prioritizing unique and memorable experiences over traditional luxury accommodations. Boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and stays that offer a deep connection to local culture are becoming more desirable. This shift reflects a preference for enriching journeys that create lasting memories over opulence.
6. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel
Environmental consciousness is influencing travel choices, with a rising demand for eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable tourism practices. Travelers are increasingly opting for low-carbon travel options and destinations that emphasize ethical tourism, aligning their journeys with values of sustainability and responsible travel.
7. Family vs. Solo and Couple Travel
Family travel trends indicate a surge in multigenerational vacations, with destinations catering to diverse age groups becoming more popular. Meanwhile, solo travelers are embracing wellness retreats and self-discovery journeys, and couples are favoring romantic getaways that combine relaxation with cultural exploration.
8. Flexible Booking Policies and Travel Insurance
The demand for flexibility in bookings and robust travel insurance remains high, especially as travelers navigate uncertainties like flight disruptions and global health concerns. These assurances are key factors in influencing booking decisions and building traveler confidence.
9. Budget Constraints
Budget-conscious travelers are turning to fare comparison apps and seeking destinations with favorable exchange rates to make the most of their budgets. Affordable options, discounts, and deals are driving decisions, emphasizing value without compromising on the quality of the experience.
10. Technology's Role in Travel
Technology continues to enhance the travel experience through tools like travel apps for itinerary management, virtual tours, and AI-powered recommendations. Online booking platforms have become indispensable, offering convenience, customization, and a seamless planning process for travelers.
Commenting, Raheesh Babu, COO, musafir.com stated, ' The year 2025 marks an exciting shift in the travel industry, with UAE travelers embracing new horizons and prioritizing unique, immersive, and sustainable experiences. At musafir.com, we are dedicated to understanding these evolving preferences and delivering tailored solutions that enhance every journey. From adventure and wellness to cultural and eco-friendly travel, we're proud to support our customers in exploring the world on their terms.'
The travel trends of 2025 highlight a dynamic shift toward immersive experiences, sustainability, and the integration of technology. By aligning with these evolving priorities, musafir.com is set to lead the way in catering to the demands of UAE travelers while driving the growth of the local travel and tourism industry.
ENDS
About musafir.com
musafir.com is a leading online travel agency. musafir.com was founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani and Sachin Gadoya in August 2007 to serve leisure customers, branching out into business travel in 2017. musafir.com has a presence across four countries: the UAE, Qatar, India and now KSA. Offering flights to over 3,000 destinations, hotel stays at more than 1 million properties around the world, holiday experiences and much more, services provided by musafir.com include search & bookings on numerous flights and hotels, tourist visa (application & assistance), international tourist visa assistance, and holiday packages. musafir.com manages corporate travel for more than 1000 companies in GCC. musafir.com is the GSA partner for Fly Egypt and Salam Air. Since its inception, musafir.com has served over a million customers through its flagship website & branch network.
Follow for the latest news: @musafirdotcom; @musafirbiz
About musafirbiz:
musafirbiz is a business travel management platform from musafir.com, that allows organizations to manage their corporate travel seamlessly. The all-in-one Business Travel Management platform developed by musafir.com enables organizations to manage their business travel through automated approval workflows, travel policy compliance, visa assistance, preferential flight, and hotel rates.
musafirbiz platform also empowers organizations with insightful reporting covering; carbon emissions tracking, spend analytics, real-time reporting on flight spending, and much more.
Follow for the latest news: @musafirdotcom;@musafirbiz
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