69 percent of UAE travelers are planning more holidays next year, and a quarter (24 percent) are thinking of going on the same number of holidays, according to new research from the travel site Skyscanner.
Just 3 percent are planning to holiday less next year. The rising cost of living is still a concern, but 39 percent have decided to prioritize holidays next year over other big-ticket items.
The study highlights a shift in spending, with 88 percent of UAE travelers planning to spend the same if not more on travel abroad next year, whilst only 9 percent are planning to spend less.
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Solo traveling is no longer a niche; 69 percent of travelers from the UAE are considering going on holiday on their own in 2023. Beach holidays and pampering breaks are top of their ‘me time’ moments, possibly reflecting the breadth of options for travelers if they decide to travel solo and locally in the region.
Moreover, Skyscanner observes that sustainable travel continues to grow in consideration of travelers’ decision-making. Travel-related sustainability is important to 4 out of 5 global respondents (81 percent). For more than 1 in 4 (28 percent) it’s even more important now, than prior to the pandemic. With price-led decision-making and sustainable travel both top of mind, 15 percent are considering new, alternative destinations for travel as they are cheaper to visit.