Latest news with #RaheeshBabu
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How ‘multi-country itineraries' are driving travel to Middle East
Travellers are now increasingly seeking 'multi-country itineraries' where they can experience both the region's rich traditions and its modern developments. This trend is being observed in light of the newly released ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, compiled by Tourism Economics for Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The report forecasts that tourism spending in the Middle East will reach nearly US$350 billion by 2030 — a 50 per cent increase from 2024 levels. Travel expenditure in the region is expected to exceed 2019 levels by 54 per cent this year alone, with an anticipated annual growth rate of over 7 per cent between 2025 and 2030. The report underlined several key trends reshaping the sector: the surge in business and luxury travel, the boom in regional sports tourism, and a marked shift toward premium, experience-based travel. Curated experiences 'Travellers are prioritising unique, curated experiences — be it luxury stays, cultural immersions, or adventure activities — over traditional itineraries, and we're tailoring our packages to meet this growing preference,' said Raheesh Babu, COO of The UAE remains a standout destination, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading in luxury, entertainment, and family experiences. Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are gaining popularity for their nature-driven and wellness getaways. In Saudi Arabia, cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla are attracting premium and business travelers through a mix of modern hospitality and heritage tourism, while Oman's Muscat and Salalah and Qatar's Doha are also seeing strong demand thanks to scenic beauty, luxury infrastructure, and cultural offerings. 'Dubai remains a top choice, particularly for its blend of urban luxury, family attractions, and beach resorts,' said Shilpa Mahtani, Co-founder and Managing Director of bnbme holiday homes by Hoteliers. 'Abu Dhabi is gaining traction among culture-focused travelers due to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, and eco-resorts on Saadiyat Island. Saudi Arabia is on the rise and we are seeing that as a huge growing tourism market. Projects like AlUla, NEOM, and the Red Sea Project are attracting adventurous and heritage-driven travelers.' Mahtani noted that Vision 2030 is reshaping interest across the region. 'We now include accommodation in Saudi destinations like Riyadh, which entails our concierge services and travel planning. The UAE's diversification push means more unique offerings in places like Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, which we recommend for outdoor and heritage-rich escapes. We are advising clients to explore multi-country itineraries that showcase both traditional and futuristic aspects of the Middle East.' Expanding air connectivity Air connectivity is also set to expand dramatically. The region's four largest carriers — Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia — have collectively ordered nearly 780 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, underscoring the Middle East's ambition to become a global aviation hub. 'Regional travel trends are strongly shaping offerings. We're actively promoting emerging destinations such as AlUla, Red Sea, Aseer, Riyadh, Doha and Salalah, and curating packages that align with cultural, adventure, and heritage tourism,' added Babu. 'These national strategies are expanding demand beyond traditional hubs, and we're adapting our recommendations to match traveler interest,' he added. As per the report, inbound tourism to the Middle East is projected to grow 13 per cent annually through 2030, while outbound business travel is expected to rise by 9 per cent per year. European countries account for half of all leisure travel to the region, with India and the UK leading as top inbound markets, followed by China, which is expected to see a 130 per cent surge in leisure spending by 2030. Additionally, tourism nights from Asia Pacific and African visitors are expected to more than double. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60 per cent habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling, compared to under 40 per cent among travellers who favour other destinations,' said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. With 85 per cent of the region's tourism growth driven by international visitors, demand for high-end ground transport is also climbing. The chauffeur-driven transport sector anticipates a 25–30 per cent rise in airport transfer bookings, especially during holiday and festive seasons. 'We're witnessing a sharp surge in bookings for in-bound airport transfers and intercity travels,' said Soham Shah, Founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility. 'Travellers are increasingly opting for premium, professionally managed transport that offers comfort, reliability, and a hassle-free experience across the Emirates.'
Trade Arabia
08-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
UAE travellers plan longer trips, book early for Eid: musafir.com
UAE residents are planning longer, experience-driven international holidays for Eid Al Adha, with a 40% increase in Eid holiday enquiries compared to 2024, according to European destinations such as Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Latvia, and Budapest are attracting strong interest from UAE residents, as they offer cultural experiences and cooler summer temperatures. Longer flight times and higher investment are driving travellers to opt for extended 8-10-day itineraries. Shorter-haul destinations in the Far East, such as Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, are popular with families, offering beachside relaxation, vibrant city life, family-friendly attractions, and affordable luxury. These destinations are also popular due to their proximity, visa-friendly policies, and abundance of kid-centric activities, making them a practical choice for a 3-5 day escape over the Eid break. 'This year's Eid travel trends reflect a deeper shift in how UAE residents view holidays — they want more than just a break; they're looking for experiences,' said Raheesh Babu, COO of . 'We're seeing demand split between bucket-list Europe trips and affordable, family-friendly Asian escapes — a clear sign that customers are prioritising value and meaning. While family-friendly and cultural experiences continue to lead the way, there's also a noticeable rise in travellers seeking city vibes, retail therapy, and affordable luxury, especially in urban destinations across the Far East and Europe.' KEY EID AL ADHA 2025 TRAVEL TRENDS AT A GLANCE: 35–40% of Eid bookings are to European countries, with Switzerland and Latvia topping the list due to guaranteed visa appointments and strong value-for-money itineraries. Family travel dominates bookings, accounting for nearly 60%, while women-only group trips are on the rise, with an expected 15% growth over last year. Solo travel continues to hold steady, driven largely by millennials seeking independence and flexibility. Customised trips remain in demand for premium travellers, while group tours are seeing a 10% rise in popularity due to cost-effectiveness and convenience. also noted a shift toward earlier bookings, with 60% of customers confirming their plans 3–5 weeks in advance. This is largely due to the surge in airfare costs for last-minute bookings, especially for destinations like the UK, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. In response to increasing travel costs, domestic staycations are also on the rise — particularly among families looking to balance Eid and upcoming summer holiday budgets. With many residents planning VFR (visiting friends and relatives) trips later in the summer, Eid becomes an ideal window for local escapes, pushing UAE hotel occupancy rates toward 100% during the holiday period. TRENDING DESTINATIONS BY CATEGORY Luxury & Bucket-List: Switzerland, France, Japan Cultural & Family-Friendly: Turkey, Bali, Malaysia Affordable Short Breaks: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan Emerging Hotspots: Latvia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, AlUla (Saudi Arabia) Travel budgets are averaging between AED 3,500 ($952.90) to AED 5,500 per person, with increasing interest in "affordable luxury" experiences — combining comfort, culture, and curated activities. Most bookings are still made through website or direct calls/WhatsApp, as travellers continue to seek advice and reassurance from holiday experts before locking in their plans. 'The modern UAE traveller is informed, intentional, and experience-focused,' added Babu 'Whether it's a city escape to Paris or a cultural deep-dive in AlUla, our customers are no longer just 'going away' — they're crafting meaningful journeys.' -TradeArabia News Service
Gulf Insider
24-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE- India Travel: Air India, IndiGo Flights To Face Delays Due To Pakistan Airspace Closure
Leading Indian carriers flying to and from the UAE will face delays and have extended flying times following Pakistan's decisions to close its airspace to Indian carriers. India's flag carrier, Air India, announced Thursday that several of its international flights to and from the Middle East, North America, the UK, and Europe, may face delays or be forced to take extended routes following Pakistan's decision to close its airspace to Indian carriers. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused… — Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025 Air India said in a statement, 'Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route.' It said, 'Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority.' India's biggest carrier by market share – IndiGo – will also face similar issues, it confirmed in a statement. The incident comes two days after gunmen fired shots at unarmed citizens visiting Kashmir's Pahalgham, killing 26 tourists. 'Due to Pakistan's sudden announcement of air space closure, a few of our international flights are being impacted. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest,' IndiGo said. The airline has encouraged passengers to check the latest flight status, and is offering fliers flexible rebooking options, or refund claims, in case they would like to cancel their trips. 'We deeply value your patience and understanding, and remain committed to supporting our fellow citizens during these challenging times,' the airline said. Indian carriers faced a similar situation for about five months in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack. Travel agents in the UAE confirmed the news, and said that UAE travellers may have to face longer flight times due to the airspace closures. 'This has happened in 2019. At this point, passengers do not have to worry about airfares rising due to this issue,' said Raheesh Babu, COO of 'Flights, particularly to cities in North and North-West India such as Delhi, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, located in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan that share land borders closer to Pakistan, may need to route further south over the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal,' said a travel expert. 'Although these longer routes will consume more fuel and time, there are indications that airline ticket prices are not expected to increase as a result,' the expert said.
Khaleej Times
11-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE Eid Al Fitr holidays: Family travel soars as budget-friendly, visa-free destinations trend
Have you planned your Eid Al Fitr getaway yet? If you're curious about the latest travel trends, Khaleej Times spoke to experts to find out the details. Travel agencies report a shift towards family-oriented, experience-based trips. UAE residents are opting for immersive holiday adventures over conventional getaways. According to industry insights, nearly 60 per cent of travellers choose outbound trips, while 40-45 per cent are booking inbound travel to welcome family and friends for local celebrations. Families are preparing for Eid Al Fitr, which falls after the holy month of Ramadan. The Islamic holiday will likely fall at the end of March or the beginning of April, and residents will likely get up to four days off. Travel agencies highlight a growing preference for cultural, adventure, and nature-based experiences, especially in regions offering affordable luxury and easy visa access. Raheesh Babu, COO of said they recorded a sharp rise in outbound travel during peak seasons like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and school breaks. "Post-covid, we have witnessed a steady growth of 20-25 per cent annually in travel demand. Travel has become an essential part of life, as people value experiences and cherish time spent with family and friends, creating lifelong memories,' he said. Surge in demand for group travel Experts also highlighted the rise in group travel, where families and friends connect and explore destinations together. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, observed that more travellers are seeking cultural and heritage-based experiences as part of their itineraries. Group travel has become common, and people want to experience culture and traditions together. "The budget-friendly regions for experiential tourism include the Caucasus region, which offers high participation from UAE residents. The Balkans and Europe remain popular for experiential travel, with Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece among the top choices. Cruise trips across the US, Europe, and Canada have also gained traction among the UAE residents,' said Subair. Trending Eid destinations Countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia are among the top choices due to their visa-on-arrival and e-visa options. Europe, Southeast Asia, and African destinations like South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar are also in high demand for their unique cultural experiences and culinary journeys. Airfares on popular routes have surged by 15-20 per cent, while hotel rates have increased by 20-30 per cent during peak travel periods with the growing demand, according to agencies. As a result, all-inclusive holiday packages have become a cost-effective option for travellers. 'Even though the desire for travel has increased, travellers are now more mindful of staying within budget. This has led to a rise in budget-friendly destinations and group travel packages,' said Raheesh Babu. While spontaneous travel remains a key trend, many UAE travellers are also planning in advance for visa-dependent destinations like Europe and Japan. 'It is better to plan ahead for visa-dependent destinations. UAE residents are now opting to visit countries like Russia, China, Kenya, Zanzibar Indonesia, and Singapore, and the visa processing time for these destinations is a week. So it's better to apply at least 12 days before the Eid Al Fitr,' said Subair.
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Zawya
Family-oriented experiential travel on the rise for Eid Holidays, reports musafir.com
Dubai, UAE – With the Eid holidays just around the corner, UAE residents are eagerly packing their bags and preparing for exciting getaways. According to the country's leading travel management company, there's been a noticeable shift towards family-oriented, spontaneous, and experiential travel. Nearly 60% of travelers are choosing outbound trips, while 40-45% are booking for inbound travel to welcome family and friends for local celebrations largely due to the pleasant weather and the unique offerings of local destinations. Many expatriates are also taking this opportunity to visit their home countries, highlighting the emotional and cultural significance of Eid as a time for reunions and togetherness. This increase in travel demand has driven a 30% rise in the popularity of Eid travel packages compared to last year, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for holiday escapes. Whether reuniting with loved ones or embarking on a long-awaited adventure, travelers are embracing the spirit of Eid and the joy of exploring new destinations. However, with the surge in demand, airfares on popular routes have climbed by 15-20%, and hotel rates have risen by 20-30% during peak travel periods. As a result, all-inclusive holiday packages have become an attractive option, offering travelers an affordable and stress-free way to plan their trips. Popular destinations this year include the CIS countries—Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia—thanks to their ease of access with visa-on-arrival or e-visa options. Meanwhile, interest in Europe – Swiss, Italy, Germany, Latvia, France etc., Southeast Asia and African destinations like Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar is on the rise, as UAE residents seek unique cultural experiences, affordable luxury, and unforgettable culinary journeys. While spontaneous travel remains a trend, many are also planning ahead for visa-dependent destinations, such as Europe and Japan. One particularly affordable European gem that's catching attention is Latvia. This destination offers a perfect blend of charm, adventure, and affordable luxury, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore new and unexplored horizons. Raheesh Babu, COO of speaking about the Eid holidays, said, 'Eid-Al-Fitr, Eid-Al-Adha, as well as the summer and winter breaks, are peak travel seasons where we see a huge upsurge in outbound travel. People increasingly use these holidays to explore new destinations, a trend that has been growing year after year. Post-COVID, we have witnessed a steady growth of 20-25% annually in travel demand. Travel has become an essential part of life, as people value experiences and cherish time spent with family and friends, creating lifelong memories. Even though the need and desire for travel have increased, travelers are now more mindful of staying within budget. As a result, budget-friendly destinations and group travel packages have gained significant popularity. These options offer comfort, convenience, and affordability, allowing families to enjoy a well-planned vacation without financial strain. At we curate exclusive packages tailored to the preferences of UAE travelers. Our meticulously crafted all-inclusive holiday packages start at AED 3,199 per person covering flights, 4- or 5-star accommodations, city tours, and visa assistance. Every detail is designed to prioritize comfort, safety, and happiness, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable travel experience.' With visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa options available for destinations like Turkey, Georgia, CIS countries, and Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Morocco, last-minute travel remains a strong trend. This accessibility allows UAE residents to plan spontaneous getaways without the usual logistical challenges. About is a leading online travel agency. 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. 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 include search & bookings on numerous flights and hotels, tourist visa (application & assistance), international tourist visa assistance, and holiday packages. manages corporate travel for more than 1000 companies in GCC. is the GSA partner for Fly Egypt and Salam Air. Since its inception, has served over a million customers through its flagship website & branch network About musafirbiz: musafirbiz is a business travel management platform from that allows organizations to manage their corporate travel seamlessly. The all-in-one Business Travel Management platform developed by 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.
