Eid al Fitr holiday: International travel destinations grow in popularity

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dnata Travel has revealed the top destinations that travellers are looking at during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr break.

According to a report released by the travel platform, travel bookings this April have more than doubled in volume, compared to 2023 levels.

In previous years, the UAE-based travel agency said it had a 50-50 split between staycation bookings and international travel for UAE residents during the first Eid break.

The outbound travel behaviour displayed by UAE travellers is combined with a demographic that is digitally savvy, plans to travel despite rising costs, are looking at sustainable options and could make up to two outbound international trips in the coming year. That is according to a study published by global payments platform Visa.

Top travel destinations for UAE residents

The dnata report noted that outbound travel numbers had gone up substantially this year with international travel packages making up 60 per cent of all bookings. This is compared to 40 per cent for local staycation bookings.

The most popular destinations for holiday bookings over Eid al-Fitr 2024 from the UAE are Maldives, Thailand, Italy, Mauritius, and the US, respectively revealed dnata.

Meerah Ketait, head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “An extended break is anticipated for Eid celebrations this April, and travellers are making the most of the opportunity with bookings being made further in advance and to long-haul destinations including across Asia and the US.”

“The Indian Ocean islands of the Maldives and Mauritius, alongside Thailand, are popular for travellers year-round with tropical climates and accessibility to the UAE. This year, Italy and the US are trending for the upcoming Eid break compared to 2023.”

“Travellers are heading to the Italian cities of Rome and Venice, whilst in the US, stays in New York City and Las Vegas are proving most popular.”

Holiday packages

Tracking the travel trends, the team at dnata Travel said they have launched a range of holiday packages for UAE travellers with last-minute availability remaining across the Eid al-Fitr break this April.

Highlights include five-star stays with airport transfers and meals included across popular destinations in the Maldives, Seychelles, Hong Kong, and Bali, alongside an extensive tour of Sri Lanka’s top sights, amongst other attractive holiday package offers.

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