Skyscanner reveals top travel trends...

Value for money remains a key factor for UAE travellers

Global travel website Skyscanner has shared the latest trends shaping industry and traveller behaviour in its ‘Travel Trends: Redefining value through experience in 2024’ report.

Blending proprietary flights and hotels data based on millions of searches with an annual consumer behaviour study and expert commentary, Skyscanner reveals its top 10 trending destinations, 10 best-value destinations and 2024’s emerging travel trends and traveller profiles.

UAE residents continue to prioritise travel with over half (56%) budgeting to spend more on travel in 2024 compared to 2023, while 31% will spend the same. Value for money also remains a priority for UAE travellers, with the cost of the hotel and flight being the biggest factors determining their choice of destination.

Travellers can make their money go even further by opting for destinations that have seen the biggest airfare price drops in 2023 compared to last year. These include: Orlando, USA with a 72% drop; Malé, Maldives with a 58% drop; Rome, Italy with a 52% drop, and Munich, Germany with a 47% drop.

Skyscanner’s data shows that 42% of UAE travellers also rate the overall ‘vibe’ of a destination as an important factor when choosing where to go on holiday. Other trends include sleep retreats where people can rest and improve their sleep patterns; visiting film and TV locations with 92% of UAE travellers saying they are inspired to take a trip to a destination they’ve seen on the big or small screen; 'gig-tripping', in which people travel to see bands, and gourmet travel. Osaka, aptly named the ‘kitchen of Japan’, tops Skyscanner’s list for foodies on a budget in 2024.

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Skyscanner also identified the top 10 trending destinations for UAE travellers with the biggest year-on-year increase in searches:

Osaka, Japan: 305%
Antalya, Türkiye: 273%
Tokyo, Japan: 250%
Rome, Italy: 154%
Berlin, Germany: 96%
Amsterdam, Netherlands: 62%
New York, US: 62%
London, UK: 52%
Athens, Greece: 47%
Paris, France: 32%

Skyscanner VP of Strategy Naomi Hahn said: "Skyscanner’s 2024 Travel Trends report highlights a growing emphasis on cultural exploration among travellers for the coming year. We're witnessing a diverse range of cultural interests in travel, from music enthusiasts embarking on journeys to see their favourite artists to budget-conscious food enthusiasts seeking the finest culinary experiences without breaking the bank.

"Remarkably, our 'Everywhere' search, displaying airfare prices from the most affordable to premium across various airports and global destinations, has become the most sought-after search option for travellers worldwide in the current year."

For more information, visit www.skyscanner.ae/tips-and-inspiration/travel-trends-report