Travel agencies and airlines say bookings for overseas holidays in the region’s winter season are up 25 percent in early periods compared to this time last year.
As they prepare for a month-long public holiday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), residents have been booking flights and hotel rooms for months ahead of the traditional booking window.
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Industry experts say people want to get cheaper fares and better accommodations before prices start to rise during peak season.
Top Destinations Range from Cultural Capitals to Winter Resorts
Popular outbound travel routes suggest a varied mix of short-haul regional breaks and long haul international destinations for the end of year holiday period.
Short-haul destinations in Europe, the GCC, and Southeast Asia, including Georgia, Armenia, Oman, Thailand, and Japan, are seeing high demand due to straightforward visa requirements and direct flight availability.
Meanwhile, traditional European winter destinations in Switzerland and the United Kingdom are also seeing consistent demand for festive holiday packages and ski breaks.
Airfares and Resort Rates Escalate as Demand Peaks
Aviation experts warn that last-minute travelers can expect to pay more as seats on popular long-haul routes fill up before December.
UAE-based airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, are adding seats and launching special routes to meet the demand for departures.
Travel agents advise customers thinking of taking a family vacation to buy tickets right away to take advantage of lower rates before fares climb by double digits near the travel dates.
Rise in Inbound Tourism Elevates Local Hospitality Demand
Dubai and Abu Dhabi hotels record demand as winter travel surge drives local economy.
Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s hotel occupancy rates hit a record high this month as international tourist arrivals and returning residents flock to the city’s coastal luxury resorts, desert retreats, and city centers.
Hospitality executives anticipate that demand will remain strong through early January, fueled by major international conferences, cultural festivals, and headline New Year’s Eve events across the emirates.
Travel Agencies Adapt with Flexible Packages and Insurance
In order to facilitate the early booking of holidays, the UAE travel operators are presenting customized holiday offers that include flexible cancellation policies and comprehensive travel insurance.
Moreover, many agencies have integrated the option to pay in installments without any interest to help families avoid having to cut spending in order to meet their holiday budget.
Many travel agents have started to offer flexible installment options with no interest to help people who cut spending in other areas in order to meet their holiday budget.
As the demand for holiday packages increases, travel experts advise people to make early bookings for a stress-free year-end getaway.
Also Read: Weekend Plans Sorted: Dubai to Fujairah in 70 Minutes
