Top Summer Destinations for UAE Travelers: Paris, Phuket, and Maldives Take the Lead in Late-Season Vacations
UAE Travellers Flock to France for Summer Getaways
UAE travellers have chosen France as their top destination for the summer season, with a noticeable uptick in last-minute bookings for holidays just 2-3 weeks before departure. According to data from Dnata Travel, the top UAE summer travel destinations for August and September 2022 were led by France, followed closely by the Maldives, with other popular destinations including Thailand, Turkey, and Austria.
City breaks emerged as the most popular type of trip overall, with an emphasis on cooler weather and cultural experiences. The Maldives remained highly sought after for luxury beach vacations, while Thailand and Turkey remained consistent favourites for both city and beach trips. Austria made a surprise entry into the top five most booked destinations, offering a mix of cooler weather, historic cities, and seasonal highlights.
Justin Varghese, a source in the article, did not provide specific facts, but more UAE travellers are opting for city getaways for culture, cuisine, and quick-hit experiences. Dnata Travel has seen an increase in bookings for cooler outdoor destinations with a dose of nature.
In addition, indoor and culturally rich experiences within the UAE itself were popular choices for residents and tourists seeking relief from the heat, with attractions like Dubai Mall, Ski Dubai, the Green Planet indoor rainforest, and Sharjah’s cultural sites being popular choices.
To summarize travel patterns in August and September 2022 for UAE travellers:
| Destination | Trend / Appeal | Notes | |-------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | France | Top city break destination | Cooler climate, cultural, vibrant cities | | Maldives | Premier luxury beach destination | High demand for beach escapes, secret stays | | Thailand | Consistent favourite for both city and beach trips | Family-friendly, tropical appeal | | Turkey | Popular for cultural-touring and relaxation | Good mix of urban and beach options | | Austria | Emerged as cooler weather outdoor escape | Rising interest in nature and hiking |
According to Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure at dnata Travel, people are making more purposeful travel decisions. Dnata Travel has launched a new product, Secret Stays Maldives, offering handpicked luxury trips where the name of the resort is revealed only after booking. Travellers are open to surprises as long as quality is guaranteed, according to Ketait.
UAE travel bookings for August and September have increased by 12% year-on-year, according to Dnata Travel. Beyond the top five most booked destinations, Greece, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Canada are gaining momentum for August and September trips.
- Despite the popularity of France and other summer destinations, some UAE residents opt for indoor experiences to escape the heat, with attractions like Dubai Mall, Ski Dubai, the Green Planet, and Sharjah’s cultural sites being popular choices.
- Justin Varghese suggests that UAE travellers are choosing city getaways for cultural, culinary, and quick-hit experiences.
- In addition to France, other top summer travel destinations for UAE travellers in August and September 2022 include the Maldives, Thailand, Turkey, and Austria.
- For luxury beach vacations, the Maldives remains highly sought-after, with an increasing demand for secret stays.
- Some travellers are making more purposeful travel decisions, as revealed by Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure at dnata Travel.
- Dnata Travel has seen an increase in bookings for cooler outdoor destinations with a dose of nature.
- Beyond the top five most booked destinations, Greece, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Canada are gaining momentum for August and September trips.
- Dnata Travel has launched a new product, Secret Stays Maldives, offering handpicked luxury trips where the name of the resort is revealed only after booking, catering to travellers who are open to surprises as long as quality is guaranteed.
