UAE: Eid travel packages see 30% rise in cost amid increased demand
Residents in the UAE looking for a quick holiday getaway this upcoming Eid Al Fitr will find themselves paying 30 per cent more on travel packages as compared to last year. The increase is owing to the spike in demand to travel abroad, travel agencies told Khaleej Times.
Eid is always a favoured time for the residents to spend the holidays visiting home countries to reunite with family or explore new places. Travellers often choose destinations that are easy to access without requiring a visa. Countries such as Turkey, Bosnia, Russia, Poland, Azerbaijan, Thailand, and Georgia are among the top choices, with competitive prices and travel deals, travel operators added.
Rashida Zahid, VP of operations at Musafir.com, said many expatriates take this opportunity to visit their home countries. She highlighted Eid's emotional and cultural significance as a time for reunions.
'Whether travellers are reuniting with loved ones or looking for new experiences, they embrace the spirit of Eid while discovering different destinations. With higher demand, airfare on popular destinations has increased by 15 to 10 per cent, while hotel prices have risen by 20-30 per cent during peak travel periods,' she noted, adding: 'Many travellers now opt for all-inclusive holiday packages as a cost-effective and convenient way to plan their trips.
There are also travellers who choose locations that require advance planning and visas, added Zahid, noting: 'While spontaneous travel remains common, many plan ahead for visa-required destinations such as Europe and Japan."
This year's trending destinations include Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Latvia, France, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, Zanzibar, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan. Many of these places offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa options, making travel easier.
Zahid said travel agencies prepare for Eid by analysing past booking trends, negotiating deals with airlines and hotels, and launching targeted marketing campaigns to attract travellers.
Adventure travel on the rise
Geoffrey Salatan, CEO of Geof Travel, said residents in the UAE mainly seek high-end travel experiences, focusing on resorts and exclusive activities. However, adventure tourism is also growing, especially among younger travellers interested in safaris, hiking, and water sports. Many travellers now combine both luxury and adventure in their trips.
He noted an increase in bookings for the Maldives, London, Turkey, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. These destinations offer various experiences, from resort stays to shopping and religious trips for Umrah.
With rising demand, airfare and hotel prices have gone up by 15 to 30 per cent. He advised booking early to secure better rates.
Exploring new destinations
Recently, UAE residents have shown more interest in new travel experiences, including stargazing trips and cultural tourism in Vietnam, Japan, and Italy.
Wael Fakhreddine Karray, director of Ramsa Travel & Tourism, said Eid Al-Fitr is a lower peak season for outbound travel than Eid Al-Adha. Family traditions, the focus on Umrah during Ramadan, and rising travel costs influence this trend.
He said: 'While Eid Al-Fitr does not usually see a major increase in bookings, there is still a noticeable rise compared to other times of the year.'
'Travellers often look for short trips, nearby destinations, and reasonable prices,' he added.
Karray said this year's Eid Al-Fitr bookings show Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Armenia accounting for 60 per cent of demand. The average stay is four nights, and the travel cost is around Dh3,500 per person.
He added 'London, Thailand, and Egypt remain among the most popular destinations.
Karray underscored airfare prices increase during peak seasons, which may affect demand but will not significantly reduce travel activity.
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