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Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE emerges as one of top destinations for Chinese tourists in 2025
The UAE has emerged as the one of the go-to-destinations among Chinese tourists this year, surpassing traditional favourites, like some European cities and the Maldives, according a global travel distribution company providing data on Chinese outbound market. A recent report by Dida revealed the UAE is among the top choices for outbound Chinese travellers in 2025. Japan remains the number one international destination for Chinese travellers, followed by South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Italy, Indonesia, Vietnam and the UAE in order of popularity among Chinese visitors, who come from middle class backgrounds with disposable income and 'an insatiable desire to see destinations abroad'. 'In this new era of travel, Chinese travellers are exploring the globe with renewed passion,' said Gareth Matthews, chief marketing officer at Dida. 'The UAE is a top destination — surpassing other European destinations — thanks to its dynamic blend of modern luxury and rich cultural heritage. From iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to thrilling desert adventures and pristine beaches, the country offers something for every type of traveller,' said Rashida Zahid, VP - Operations at explaining the reasons behind the increase in Chinese travellers 'The country's world-class shopping, diverse culinary scene, and year-round events make it a vibrant hub for experiences, while its reputation for safety, cleanliness, and exceptional hospitality ensures a seamless and memorable stay. With easy connectivity and visa-friendly access, the UAE continues to attract millions as a must-visit destination,' Zahid added. Key factor Being visa-free is another key factor that is driving Chinese tourists to the UAE. 'It simplifies travel, reducing planning time, thereby making the UAE an accessible destination for last-minute travellers.' Shilpa Mahtani, co-founder and managing director of bnbme holiday homes by Hoteliers, said direct flight connectivity, increased visa facilitation, and strategic tourism marketing efforts — such as Mandarin-speaking concierge services, mobile payment compatibility, and Chinese New Year promotions — have played a vital role in driving Chinese tourists to the UAE. She said: 'We have seen a measurable uptick in bookings from Chinese nationals, particularly in our Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah luxury properties. Compared to the same period in 2024, bookings from Chinese guests during the May Day period in 2025 have increased by 28 per cent, reflecting the renewed interest and easing of travel restrictions.' Tourist growth to continue 'We expect this growth trajectory to continue as we head into the second half of the year,' Mahtani noted, adding, 'Chinese tourists are increasingly requesting bespoke services such as private yacht rentals, desert safari experiences with luxury add-ons, personal shopping tours, and spa and wellness treatments within their holiday homes.' 'There is also strong interest in curated culinary experiences — from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic Emirati and pan-Asian cuisine. Cultural excursions to sites like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Expo City Dubai have also gained popularity, showing a clear shift toward a more balanced mix of luxury, culture, and experiential travel.' Meanwhile, the Dida report also noted domestic travel within China has increased by 33 per cent year-on-year, while inbound tourism by international visitors has more than tripled, fuelled by the introduction of visa-friendly policies and China's growing global appeal as a holiday destination.
Khaleej Times
23-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
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 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.
