Skyscanner reveals winter travel...

The Philippines and Turkey are among the top destinations

Data from Skyscanner shows a rise in travel bookings in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The metasearch engine-based online travel agency also revealed the destinations UAE and Saudi travellers are planning to visit this winter.

Skyscanner travel expert Ayoub El Mamoun said: "We’re continuing to see booking behaviours return to pre-pandemic and seasonal norms with travellers keen to make the most of their trips following a long period of lockdowns and stop-start travel restrictions."

Travel trends for UAE Travellers
Bookings for economy return travel in November and December 2022 from UAE increased by 83% this August compared to the previous month. Travellers are opting for longer stays with the most popular trip lengths (43% of bookings) being for two weeks and a month.

With the most popular destinations including the Philippines, India, Pakistan and the UK, the bookings are most likely bookings made by expat workers returning home to see family and friends.

The top winter destinations for UAE travellers:

Philippines (pictured above)
India
Pakistan
United Kingdom
Qatar
Egypt
Turkey
Thailand
United States
Ireland

Travel trends for Saudi Travellers
Bookings for economy return travel in November and December from Saudi Arabia soared by 106% in August compared to the previous month. The most popular trip length (35% of bookings) was between one and two weeks.

Top winter destinations for Saudi travellers:

Turkey
Philippines
India
UAE
United Kingdom
Thailand
Egypt
Pakistan
Indonesia
Italy

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El Mamoun added: “The cost of travel will be top of mind for many holidaymakers thinking of a break this year and planning for 2023. Signing up to Skyscanner’s price alerts is a great way to keep on top of price changes to your favourite destination, meaning you’ll be the first in the know of any price drops.

"Searching by multiple dates and airports will also give you the best chance of finding a bargain. Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ and ‘everywhere’ search tools help you do that with a few clicks so you can pick up a bargain.”