Global travel app Skyscanner has unveiled the key trends that will shape the travel industry in 2025, with a focus on collective experiences and budget-friendly destinations. The Travel Trends 2025 report, built using the company’s search data and industry insights, predicts that shared adventures and community-driven exploration will dominate the year ahead.
The report highlights significant airfare reductions, making travel more affordable for UAE residents. Destinations such as Bucharest, Romania (35% price drop), Trabzon, Turkey (31% drop), and Beijing, China (23% reduction) are now more accessible, thanks to expanded flight routes and increased airline competition. Tokyo, Japan, and Baku, Azerbaijan, have also seen substantial price cuts, offering UAE travellers the chance to explore these culturally rich cities without breaking the bank.
In addition to budget-friendly options, the report identifies key trends that will drive UAE travellers’ choices in 2025. One major trend is astro-tourism, with 61% of UAE travellers saying that celestial events and astrology influence their travel plans. Gami-vacation is another emerging trend, driven by the popularity of video games, with 81% of gamers booking trips based on their favourite game settings. Meanwhile, sports travel is on the rise, with 45% of UAE travellers planning trips to witness live sporting events, fuelled by shows like Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
According to Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, Ayoub El Mamoun, “2025 is set to be the year of collective travel experiences, where the joy of shared adventures and deeper connections will define our journeys.”
With unique destinations such as Siem Reap, Cambodia (+226% search increase), and Nassau, Bahamas (+180% increase) gaining traction, 2025 promises a diverse array of experiences for UAE travellers.
