The UAE has seen a 35 percent increase in bookings for international travel in July and August 2024, compared to the same timings last year, according to the latest data from dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest-serving travel provider. For July and August, dnata Travel reported that the most popular destinations for international travel from the UAE include Thailand, Maldives, Mauritius, Turkiye and the U.K., respectively.
Mauritius emerges among top 3 holiday choices
Mauritius has entered the top three most-booked holiday destinations, making it one of the fastest-growing holiday locations for UAE travelers, alongside Germany and Malaysia.
International trips have dominated the UAE travel industry, making up 90 percent of overall bookings this year, compared to 10 percent for UAE staycations. During Eid Al Adha, dnata Travel reported that 65 percent of trips were international while 35 percent were local. During the holiday, demand for outbound travel witnessed a significant increase.
“Kuala Lumpur is also a popular destination in Asia for a city break for its impressive skyline, and opportunities for shopping and dining. Meanwhile, Germany’s vibrant cities are popular this month, as travelers seek to soak up the action of the UEFA European Football Championship, taking place across the country,” stated Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel.
Travel industry continues to grow
Notably, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently reported a 9.7 percent increase in demand for Middle Eastern airlines. In addition, global airline passenger demand rose 10.7 percent in May. Asian routes to the Middle East saw a 32 percent increase in demand compared to 2019.
In the UAE, the number of travelers passing through Abu Dhabi’s airports reached over 22 million in 2023. The number of annual arrivals through the emirate’s airports reached over 11.1 million. Meanwhile, the number of departures stood at 11.3 million.
The most recent data highlights the rising demand for travel following the COVID-19 pandemic. As the global economic landscape stabilizes and inflation in most regions declines, the international travel and tourism sector will likely see further growth this summer.
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