As Eid Al Fitr approaches, the UAE is experiencing a significant surge in travel demand, driven by the overlap of the holiday with the two-week spring break. This year, Eid is expected to fall on March 31, while schools in the UAE will begin their spring break on March 18. Travel experts are observing a notable increase in both inbound and outbound travel, with airfares rising by at least 20% due to heightened demand.
Factors Driving Airfare Increases
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Demand for Outbound Travel: A surge of 30% in holiday bookings during the Eid and Spring Break period is reported, with destinations like Switzerland, Italy, Vietnam, and Thailand being popular choices for families.
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Inbound Travel Trend: Residents are inviting family and friends for Eid celebrations, contributing to a 25% increase in holiday bookings within the UAE.
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Airline Response: UAE-based and international airlines are increasing flights to meet the growing demand, but airfare prices are still expected to rise significantly.
Strategies for Travelers
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Early Booking: Travelers are advised to book flights early to secure better rates, as prices tend to increase closer to peak holiday periods.
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Flexible Travel Options: Opting for connecting flights or using accumulated frequent flyer miles can help reduce costs.
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Destination Preferences: Popular destinations include the Maldives, Spain, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, while Vietnam, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland are gaining traction as emerging hotspots.
Impact on Travel Industry
The overlap of Eid Al Fitr with spring break is driving a significant increase in travel bookings, with overall bookings rising by 65% compared to the previous year. This surge presents opportunities for airlines, hotels, and tour operators to capitalize on the high demand for international travel during this period.
