A new report from global travel platform Skyscanner highlights emerging travel trends for 2025, with UAE travellers increasingly prioritising shared experiences and community-focused trips.
The desire for travel remains strong among UAE residents, with 71 per cent planning to increase their vacation spending in the coming year.
Naomi Hahn, VP of Strategy, Operations and Data at Skyscanner said: “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.”
Key trends identified in the report include:
- Sport Mode: There’s a growing interest in sports tourism, with travellers eager to attend major sporting events like Formula 1 races alongside fellow enthusiasts.
- Astro Adventurers: Celestial tourism is on the rise, as travellers seek out destinations offering prime stargazing opportunities.
- Reset Jetters: Health and wellness travel is gaining traction, with travellers looking to combine vacations with activities that promote longevity and well-being.
- Art-Venture: Immersive art experiences are becoming increasingly popular, with travellers drawn to innovative exhibitions that bring famous artworks to life.
- Cowboy Core: There’s a resurgence in interest for Wild West-themed experiences, from horseback riding to line dancing.
- Horti-Culture: Botanical tourism is blooming, with garden enthusiasts seeking out destinations known for their flora.
- Gami-vacation: Gaming-themed travel is emerging as a niche market, appealing to hardcore gamers looking to connect with like-minded individuals.
Looking ahead, sustainability emerged as a key factor as travellers increasingly seek trips with a positive impact.
“2025 sees travellers make far more conscious decisions about how their travel behaviours impact their lives and the lives of others,” said Martin Nolan, Chief Legal Officer and Skyscanner Sustainability Expert.
The report also highlighted the impact of rising “geopolitical issues” and “macro-economic pressures” putting strain on routes and profitability.
However, travel demand continues to show resilience.
“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,” concluded Piero Sierra, Chief Product Officer, Skyscanner.
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