Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to occur on Wednesday, April 10, allowing residents a six-day holiday period.
According to Musafir.com, a UAE travel management company, more people are choosing extended vacations this year, particularly during Ramadan and Eid. The company reports a notable increase in travel bookings ahead of Ramadan.
Raheesh Babu, the COO of Musafir.com, notes that approximately 25–28 percent of customers are selecting longer holiday packages, attributing this trend to the alignment of Eid al-Fitr holidays with school spring breaks. Emily Jenkins, Senior Manager at DW Travel, confirms a similar trend towards longer stays, attributing it to factors like increased airline ticket costs, demand surges, capacity constraints, and visa acquisition challenges.
Popular destinations for extended vacations primarily include European countries like Greece, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Additionally, CIS countries such as Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, along with Uzbekistan, are gaining popularity due to visa convenience and cultural experiences.
Some of the other popular destinations that Emily listed include Zanzibar, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia. Poland, Kenya, Bali, and South Korea are also on the rise as tourist destinations. Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and Turkey have all seen a dramatic increase in tourist demand as a result of loosened visa requirements.
There is also a rising interest in experiential travel across the Middle East and Africa, including safari trips in East Africa and wellness itineraries in Qatar. Another noticeable shift is the booking behavior, with customers planning vacations 2-4 months in advance to secure favorable pricing and availability.
Traditionally, March witnesses heavy outbound traffic due to school breaks, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. Sudheesh T.P., GM of Deira Travels, highlights that the combination of school vacations and Eid breaks creates a peak period for the travel industry. Additionally, the first week of Ramadan sees significant outbound travel as many establishments take a break, allowing staff to return home for vacation.
