As global travel trends shift for 2025, a recent report by Skyscanner reveals that UAE travellers are set to increase their vacation spending this year. Emphasizing shared experiences and community-oriented trips, the report points to an evolving landscape where more travellers are keen on connecting with others while exploring new destinations.
The Desire for Travel Remains Strong
Among UAE residents, the thirst for exploration remains robust, with 71 percent planning to spend more on their vacations in the forthcoming year. This willingness to invest in travel underscores a broader desire for unique experiences.
Naomi Hahn, VP of Strategy, Operations and Data at Skyscanner, remarked, “More than ever, travellers from the UAE want experiences they can share with others with similar interests, to enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves.” This sentiment reinforces the trend toward community-focused travel among UAE travellers.
Key Trends in Travel for 2025
Several prominent trends have emerged from the report, highlighting changing preferences for the upcoming year:
- Sport Mode: There is an increasing interest in sports tourism, with many travellers eager to attend major events like Formula 1 races alongside fellow fans.
- Astro Adventurers: With celestial tourism on the rise, travellers are actively seeking destinations that offer the best stargazing opportunities.
- Reset Jetters: Health and wellness travel is gaining popularity, as more individuals opt for vacations that focus on well-being and longevity.
- Art-Venture: Immersive art experiences are attracting attention, with tourists drawn to innovative exhibitions that bring renowned artworks to life.
- Cowboy Core: Wild West-themed experiences, including horseback riding and line dancing, are making a comeback.
- Horti-Culture: Botanical tourism is flourishing, with garden enthusiasts eager to explore destinations celebrated for their beautiful flora.
- Gami-vacation: This niche market is appealing to hardcore gamers looking to bond with like-minded individuals through gaming-themed travel.
The Growing Emphasis on Sustainability
Looking ahead, sustainability is becoming increasingly important to travellers. There is a noticeable shift toward selecting journeys that have a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
Martin Nolan, Chief Legal Officer and Skyscanner Sustainability Expert, stated, “2025 sees travellers make far more conscious decisions about how their travel behaviours impact their lives and the lives of others.” This heightened awareness reflects a growing trend among UAE travellers who wish to combine exploration with responsibility.
Challenges and Opportunities in Travel
The report also addresses how rising geopolitical concerns and macroeconomic pressures are creating challenges for travel routes and profitability. Nevertheless, the demand for travel remains resilient.
Piero Sierra, Chief Product Officer at Skyscanner, noted, “We’re entering a new era of travel search. Rapid developments in generative AI, travel retailing, and social shopping are changing how travellers find inspiration and compare flight, hotel, and car rental options. Travellers’ opportunities, challenges, and the need for information are evolving, and so we’re building the next generation of search tools to help guide travellers from dreaming about their destination to making it a reality.”