Tourism Breaking News
In their latest research report Skyscanner reveals some of the trends which are to be expected in 2024 and one which stands out more than others is that travellers are looking at cultural exploration. Hugh Aikens – VP Strategic Relations and Development at Skyscanner in an interview shared more details with TTME.
Hugh Aikens – VP Strategic Relations and Development at Skyscanner reiterates, “We’re seeing a broad spectrum of cultural curiosity in travel, from jetting off to see their favourite artists, to travellers seeking the very best food experience (at the very best price!), Gig Trippers and more.”
o 42% of UAE travellers rate the overall ‘vibe’ of a destination as important when choosing where to go in 2024*
o 90% of UAE travellers plan to take the same number, if not more, trips abroad in 2024 compared to 2023
o 32% of UAE travellers say the cost of flights mostly determines their choice of destination
- 7/10 trending destinations for UAE travellers in 2024 are for European hotspots
When it comes to most popular activities to do on holiday, culture is high on the agenda for UAE travellers, with historical tours (44%), hitting the beach (40%) and sampling local food (36%) coming out on top.
- Value for money remains a key factor for UAE travellers, with the cost of the flight (32%) and hotel (16%) being the biggest factors determining the destination.
- However, over half (56%) of UAE travellers have budgeted to spend more on travel in 2024 compared to 2023, while 31% will spend the same. Only 10% have said they’ll spend less.
- 56% of UAE travellers have budgeted to spend more on travel in 2024 compared to 2023
- Another way to find a great value flight is by using Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search feature. It helps travellers search by price rather than destination – a very handy tool if you’re also not sure where and when you want to go.
- 28% of UAE travellers use film and TV as a source of travel inspiration – Set Jetting
- Food and travel. Both have always been intrinsically linked. In fact, just under half (46%) of UAE travellers have booked a destination purely on a specific restaurant they want to visit. While a further 46% say it’s something they’d like to do.
- In an age of always-on and constant hype, Gen Z are craving old-school analogue adventures that ditch the digital device in favour of how it used to be done. 26% of UAE 18-to-24-year-olds now bring a Polaroid camera with them on holiday; 22% take vinyl records with them for a more immersive experience; and 15% bring digital camera and wait for their photos to be developed after they’re home.
