As the winter season sets in, travel executives in the UAE are reporting a surge in seacation bookings and a notable rise in holiday travel, despite the higher costs associated with last-minute vacation planning. The festive period, especially from mid-December to early January, is always marked by increased demand for travel due to school holidays and the New Year celebrations. However, for those booking vacations at the last minute, prices tend to rise by 15-20%.
Factors Driving Higher Costs
- Airfares and Accommodation: The closer travelers get to the dates they wish to travel, the higher the cost for airfares, hotel rates, and activities. Rashida Zahid, VP of operations at musafir.com, explains that last-minute bookings can typically expect to pay up to 20% more than those who plan their trips in advance, depending on the destination and time constraints.
- Peak Travel Season: The winter months see a rise in prices due to school holidays and the migration of many residents traveling abroad to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s.
European Destinations in High Demand
Europe continues to be a top destination for UAE residents. Countries like Switzerland, France, and Germany remain perennial favorites. However, ticket prices for these locations have increased by 10-12% this winter season. There has also been a noticeable increase in interest for countries like Finland, Austria, and the Balkans, which are known for their winter charm and festive celebrations.
Zahid mentioned that UAE residents are increasingly drawn to countries with streamlined visa processes, such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as neighboring GCC countries like Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. These destinations offer a blend of adventure and relaxation, making them ideal for short getaways.
Rising Popularity of Transit Flights and Alternative Routes
To mitigate the higher prices, many last-minute travelers are opting for transit flights and alternative routes to reach their destinations more affordably. Turkey has become a popular stopover destination, with competitive fares attracting travelers to stay for two days.
Lakshmii Annand, managing director of TravelzMind, observed a 60-65% increase in bookings, with a 35-40% rise in demand for Europe. She noted that India also continues to be a popular travel destination, with a 25-30% increase in demand.
Emirates, for example, is offering tickets to Paris for Dh3,900, while early bookings were available for as low as Dh3,000.
Growing Demand for Seacations
Alongside the traditional holiday travel, there has been a notable increase in seacation bookings, especially as the temperatures cool down. Cruises have gained significant traction with UAE residents. Resort World Cruises has seen strong demand since its launch, and established cruise lines like Costa and MSC continue to attract travelers with their larger ships and varied itineraries.
Reena Philip, general manager at Airtravel Enterprises and Tourism LLC, highlighted the rising demand for Gulf cruises, particularly those traveling from Abu Dhabi to Qatar. The prices for a cabin for three people have risen from Dh3,000 to Dh8,000, reflecting the increasing popularity of cruises as an alternative to traditional hotel stays.
For these cruises, travelers only need a Qatar visa, which is available on arrival for a fee of Dh150-200. Many cruise packages include complimentary day passes that cover the visa cost, simplifying the process and making cruises an attractive option for last-minute travelers.
Conclusion: Navigating a Busier and More Expensive Holiday Season
Despite the higher costs associated with last-minute bookings, there is no shortage of travelers eager to take their winter vacations. From European destinations with higher ticket prices to seacations and Gulf cruises, there are plenty of options for those willing to plan quickly or look for alternative routes. The rise in seacation bookings and the demand for more cost-effective destinations like Georgia, Armenia, and Indonesia further showcase the variety of holiday options available to UAE residents this season.
For those still planning their trips, it’s important to keep in mind the potential for higher prices as the festive season nears its peak, and consider transit routes or alternative destinations to mitigate costs.
