Skyscanner releases 2023 travel...

The report shows that UAE travellers are seeking experiences grounded in nature and wellbeing

Travel marketplace Skyscanner has published a new report exploring the latest trends in global travel.

Titled Skyscanner Horizons: Outlook in 2023 as travellers redefine value, the report explores a combination of consumer survey and proprietary search and booking data to provide a view of how travellers are thinking about their plans for the next 12 months.

A survey of 11,000 travellers from 10 countries also reveals insights about key indicators such as travel propensity, spend, trip type and social media preferences.

The research found that UAE holidaymakers are expecting another strong year of travel despite economic uncertainty, but price-led decision making will drive change in 2023. Although 88% of UAE travellers are planning to spend the same if not more on travel abroad next year, how they are going to spend is projected to differ.

Key trends include a desire to extend holidays by combining leisure and work, a desire to seek grounded in nature and wellbeing and growing demand for solo adventures.

Skyscanner VP of strategy Naomi Hahn said: “It is clear that we’re hungrier than ever to discover something new – even though we might have less in our pockets next year. The aftermath of a pandemic has made travellers look for ways to make up for lost time and create new experiences and memories.

“Consumers have become savvier to value post pandemic – the squeeze on personal spending has shown that consumers will still prioritise getting away but are increasingly shopping around on metasearch platforms like Skyscanner and employing simple travel hacks to ensure they get the most for their money, like being flexible in terms of dates and destination.

“The year looks set to be a year of new discoveries as emerging, pocket friendly destinations come to the fore.”

Vice-president of Flights Hugh Aitken added: “2022 has not only marked a return to 2019 levels of travel demand in many parts of the world, but also demonstrated the resilience of the sector.

“Travellers have shown a sustained desire to travel as networks are restored, as well as a willingness to upgrade their airfares. Despite current global economic pressures, there is reason for cautious optimism in 2023 as international travel continues its resurgence and travellers indicate their appetite to put their discretionary spend towards it.

“However, travel patterns will continue to vary as travellers increasingly look for value – and a mobile-first experience – to build itineraries and choose destinations that best suit their individual needs.”

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Key trends:

Travel remains a priority: 62% of Saudi and 69% of UAE consumers are planning more holidays next year compared to 2023
Shift in spending: 53% of Saudi Arabian and 57% of UAE travellers indicate they will spend more on travel in 2023
Solo travelling is no longer a niche: 69% of travellers from the UAE are considering going on holiday on their own in 2023
Mobile's resurgence for trip planning and booking: 50% growth in travellers accessing Skyscanner via mobile devices since the start of the year
Instagram is the most influential social media platform for inspiration: TikTok not far behind
Sustainability: Sustainable travel continues to grow in consideration for travellers’ decision making: travel related sustainability is important to 4 out of 5 global respondents (81%).

For more information, visit www.reports.skyscanner.net