Tag Archives: holidays

Over 80% of travellers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA) intend to go on more or the same amount of holidays in 2026 compared to 2025 (84% in UAE and 83% in KSA). This includes 54% who plan to go on an increased number (56% in UAE and 52% in KSA), according to new industry research amongst 4,017 adults in UAE and KSA. Figures from Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 Ticket to Travel Report suggest continued overall growth in the industry. In 2026, the average traveller is planning 3 domestic holidays within their own country, 2 short-haul breaks (four-hour flight or less) and 2 long-haul trips. The report also shows that on average people book their holiday 2.1 months in advance (2.5 in UAE and 1.6 in KSA). Visiting multiple countries (not just destinations) within one trip – will continue to be common for travellers in 2026. 75% say they ‘probably or definitely’ plan to do this next year. Popular international travel destinations for travellers in the UAE and KSA include Italy, Switzerland, France and Turkiye. Nearly three quarters of travellers (72%) say they have used AI to plan or research a holiday (77% in UAE and 68% in KSA). Over a fifth (23%) say they use it ‘all the time’ (24% in UAE and 22% in KSA). ChatGPT is the favoured AI platform for travel planning – used by three quarters (76%) of those who have previously used AI for this purpose (81% in UAE and 70% in KSA). It is followed by Gemini at 38% (41% in UAE and 35% in KSA) and Copilot at 21% (23% in UAE and 19% in KSA). Reinforcing the increased familiarity and trust travellers …

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