A recent YouGov report reveals that UAE travellers face significant stress when booking holidays, identifying several key stressors that impact their travel planning process. As more residents look to travel in 2025, this report sheds light on the pressure they experience, emphasizing the various challenges that can turn the excitement of planning a trip into a stressful endeavor.
The findings indicate that over two-thirds of travellers encounter at least one point of stress while booking their trips. “Advances in technology, such as AI-driven recommendations and mobile-friendly platforms, are transforming how travellers research, compare, and secure their trips. However, not every traveller is effectively utilizing these tools, or the tools may not directly address the most pressing pain points, leading to continued stresses for UAE travel bookers,” stated Zafar Shah, Account Director of Data Services at YouGov MENA.
According to the report, concerns surrounding luggage allowance rank highest, affecting 47% of UAE residents. Other stressors include booking rental cars (37%), securing accommodation (36%), arranging airport transfers (34%), obtaining travel insurance (34%), and purchasing flights (27%). Beyond these, travellers often grapple with choosing the right destination, comparing prices, and locking in preferred travel dates.
One in Three UAE Residents Plan Multiple Trips in 2025
The study reveals that one in three UAE residents intends to embark on at least three trips in 2025. This trend highlights a mix of planning styles among travellers, including those who prefer DIY arrangements using comparison websites and others who lean toward package deals. DIY bookers particularly leverage these sites for finding the best deals (77%), checking room rates (63%), and comparing different accommodation options (58%), among other considerations.
Additionally, the report evaluates travel agencies and booking platforms by customer satisfaction, offering valuable insights into consumer preferences. Notably, Booking.com emerged as the leading platform, achieving a net customer satisfaction score of 62.5, followed by trivago (55.6), Expedia (53.6), Wego (50.9), and MakeMyTrip (49.5).
The study is based on survey responses from UAE residents and explores the intricacies of travel behaviours and booking trends. The insights provided could help both travel providers and consumers navigate the complexities associated with booking holidays, ultimately reducing the stress that many UAE travellers face when booking holidays. By understanding these stressors, stakeholders can work to enhance the overall travel experience for residents in the region.