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Release date: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 4:01 PM
Last updated: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 4:02 p.m.
The UAE’s travel industry has seen a surge in demand for international trips as residents look to make the most of their time off before the new school term begins. Travel experts say there has been a surge in international bookings for August and September, with many travellers taking advantage of attractive last-minute deals.
“Bookings for August and September 2024 are up more than 50% compared to the same period last year,” said Meera Kheteit, head of retail and leisure at dnata. The company cited Thailand, Maldives, Turkey, the UK and Mauritius as popular destinations seeing the most demand. “Cooler destinations across Europe and the winter scenery of New Zealand and South Africa are also gaining popularity,” Kheteit said.
“For those seeking cooler climates, late winter in South Africa and New Zealand are popular. Thailand and the Indian Ocean also remain popular, with bookings from the UAE coming from a wider range of locations than ever before and offering great rates,” Ketait added.
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However, many people choose a summer holiday in Europe, which offers sun-filled days where you can explore vibrant cities and relax on beautiful beaches.
Ramy Badr, sales director at Dopamine Travels, said: “Despite the summer season drawing to a close, travel fever remains strong. Travellers are still actively searching for exciting destinations and there is an increased demand for impulsive getaways.”
Namrata Bhatia, marketing director at Holiday Factory, said: “With destinations such as Georgia starting from AED 1,799, Turkey from AED 1,999 and Uzbekistan from AED 1,299, our customers are happy to take advantage of these offers. It’s the perfect time to book your next holiday of the mind,” said Bhatia.
Experts noted a significant increase in last-minute bookings, from stunning African landscapes to tropical paradises in Asia. Badr said travelers are also increasingly visiting well-known destinations such as Kenya, Thailand, Poland, Russia, Trabzon in Turkey, the Maldives and Malaysia for their last-minute summer adventures.
“Turkey’s Trabzon is generating growing interest with its unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm, while the Maldives offers the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, making it the perfect tranquil retreat. Malaysia offers a diverse range of experiences to appeal to a wide range of travellers, from cosmopolitan cities to lush landscapes,” Badr said.
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