As Eid Al Fitr and spring break approach, UAE travellers are showing a strong preference for international getaways, with 90% of dnata Travel’s customers booking trips abroad for 2025. This marks a sharp increase from last year when only 60% of travellers chose to vacation overseas, while 40% opted for local staycations.
The shift is largely attributed to the alignment of Eid with the two-week spring break, giving families a chance to extend their holidays and explore further destinations. According to dnata Travel, overall bookings—both domestic and international—have surged by 65% compared to the previous Eid holiday, reflecting a growing demand for travel experiences beyond the UAE.
Popular destinations for 2025 include the Maldives, Spain, Mauritius, France, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, Vietnam, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland are witnessing the highest year-on-year growth in demand, indicating a rising interest in long-haul travel.
“One of the key travel trends for 2024 and 2025 is growing demand for long-haul destinations,” said Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel. “Travellers are booking longer stays in more distant locations, with many looking for unique and less-explored parts of popular travel hotspots.”
To meet the surge in demand, dnata Travel has introduced tailored holiday packages, including luxury stays in the Maldives, Cyprus, Mauritius, Bali, and Hong Kong. With Eid Al Fitr and spring break fast approaching, availability remains open for those looking to make last-minute travel plans.
