As Eid Al Fitr 2023 approaches, travel agents in the UAE are experiencing a surge in bookings, with some witnessing up to 25% increase compared to the same period last year. According to dnata Travel, visitors from the UAE are opting for an average of 4- or 5-night stays, with most preferring Asian destinations for the long weekend.
Meerah Ketait, head of retail and leisure at dnata Travel, told Khaleej Times that Indian Ocean destinations and stays on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, are highly sought after for a beach retreat, with travellers opting for half board or all-inclusive dining plans as part of these beach resort holiday packages. Meanwhile, city breaks and shopping trips in Turkey, Spain, Singapore, Italy, and the UK are also trending, with travellers opting for bed and breakfast meal plans for dining flexibility in-destination.
Travellers are making bookings further in advance to secure their preferred kind of trip, Meerah added.
Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, April 21, according to the International Astronomical Centre, giving UAE residents their first long weekend of 2023. The Islamic festival is celebrated on the first of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Hijri calendar.
