Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
International travel remains a preference for UAE residents over the Eid holidays, according to new data from Skyscanner.
The global travel app listed Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, and Egypt as the most searched international destinations for UAE customers between March 1 and 16 for the travel period March 29 to April 6.
Skyscanner also noted that UAE travellers are planning and booking their trips earlier compared to last year.
According to its latest insights, customers are changing how they book, with a focus on planning ahead instead of opting for last-minute packages.
This trend is especially more noticeable for domestic travel, where booking lead times have doubled to between 42 and 52 days for two-week trips, and 47 days for a trip that is a month or longer. This indicates a more cautious and financial mindset as travellers seek value for money.
The alignment of Eid holidays with schools' spring break was a key factor driving increased travel interest, according to Skyscanner. This year, there was a significant rise in domestic travel demand, with travellers booking their trips earlier than in previous years.
The growing trend of advance bookings suggests that travellers are becoming more strategic in planning their Eid getaways, ensuring they secure their preferred destinations well ahead of time.
Ayoub El Mamoun, travel expert at Skyscanner, said: "The Eid holidays is one of the busiest periods of the year as hundreds of thousands of people in the UAE look to get away with their families and friends. Through our insights, we have seen there is a more strategic approach, as travellers align their holiday plans with the UAE school breaks and extended weekends, making the most of the Eid holidays.
"With families booking their trips much earlier than planned to secure better deals, we're seeing a shift toward value-driven decision-making.
The UAE is strategically positioned that it offers easy and direct access to many countries around the world, encouraging travellers to explore new destinations and maximise their cost savings."
