GHA reveals top destinations and...

Thailand and Japan lead list for second year in a row

Thailand has surpassed Japan as the top holiday destination for UAE travellers with Vietnam one to watch for 2025, according to Global Hotel Alliance’s GHA Discovery members.

Intra-regional holidays within the Middle East are also expected to remain popular, while global business travel is set to significantly outstrip domestic trips.

Other leading destinations within the alliance’s membership include China, Spain,

Australia, New Zealand and Italy, with 2024 favourites Canada and Hawaii falling in popularity.

The data suggests that leisure travel continues to dominate, with 99% of members surveyed planning holidays in 2025, while business travel is rebounding – 62% are planning work trips, with travellers based in China, Germany and Spain leading the resurgence.

More than 93% of members are expecting to travel internationally for leisure next year, and 69% for business, with work trips largely being within the region of residence.

Travellers plan to take six leisure trips on average and more than five business trips with an overnight stay in 2025, a 13% increase year on year.

When asked to identify motivations, inspirations and preferences, relaxation is the leading reason for travel in 2025, with 72% of members prioritising it.

This overtakes last year’s focus on exploring new destinations and cultures, which now ranks second at 62%, followed by escaping everyday life in third (46%).

Family and foodie breaks, as well as city and cultural activities, remain popular, while most members plan to travel with a spouse or partner, mirroring 2024 trends.

For more information, visit www.ghadiscovery.com

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