Wego's top outbound festive season...

Russian and UK capitals among most in demand

Moscow and London are among the most popular end-of-year destinations for UAE travellers, according to the latest insights from Wego.

The outbound travel market comprises tourists and VFF (Visiting Friends and Family) expats returning home for Christmas.

A spokesperson for the travel app and online marketplace said that interest had also risen in Baku in Azerbaijan, Tbilisi in Georgia, Prague in the Czech Republic, Vienna in Austria, Paris in France, Milan in Italy and Yerevan, Armenia's capital. Wego highlighted the appeal of each of their leading destinations.

Moscow: Top on the list of searches from UAE, Moscow retains its position as the most-searched European destination during the festive season. A Moscow winter is best enjoyed in its festivals and the brightly decorated streets. Attractions include opera or ballet performances at halls across Moscow. The Nutcracker is typically shown this season.

London: The city is a perennial favourite, showing up annually on the list of most-searched year-end destinations from the UAE. Christmas in London means a lot of things, including Christmas markets, ice skating, theatre shows, and musical concerts. Visitors wander through Leicester Square or Covent Garden and enjoy classical concerts at St Mary le Strand, which showcases Vivaldi's iconic masterpiece The Four Seasons. On New Year’s Eve, there are fireworks on the Thames where dinner cruises provide one of the best vantage points.

Baku: 'Cold Hands, Warm Hearts' is an annual Baku winter event, which enchants visitors with a variety of stalls selling books, craftworks and local foods. Held during the Christmas weekend, at Fountain Square, visitors can also enjoy a fireworks displays and live music at restaurants and hotels hosting special gala dinners.

Tbilisi: During the Christmas weekend, Tbilisi city is filled with Christmas markets and festive villages up to 31 December. Orbeliani Square hosts the primary market with an open-air food court and local craft stalls. Visitors flock to the Stall Street Market on Rustaveli Avenue, which showcases local entrepreneurs and artisans.

Prague: Key attractions include the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in Prague for markets, gothic architecture and traditional Czech food. Ice skating at Letná Park is also a popular activity and visitors can book a Vltava River cruise or watch the city’s fireworks during New Year's Eve from Petrin Hill or Charles Bridge.

Vienna: For music enthusiasts, the concerts in the central churches and Stephansdom Cathedral over the festive season are a major pull. During New Year’s Eve, visitors can join the Silvesterpfad. Each year, the city organises the Silvesterpfad (New Year's Eve Trail) with various forms of entertainment – including music, dancing and midnight fireworks – around the city centre.

Paris: Travel bucket lists include skating at the world’s largest indoor ice rink at the Grand Palais in Paris. For 2024 New Year's Eve, the Champs-Élysées will host a series of sound and light displays that will enthral visitors around the iconic Arc de Triomphe, and there'll be the Eiffel Tower's light show and Seine riverboat celebrations.

Yerevan: Visitors head to the Republic Square Christmas Market in Yerevan where live performances and local delicacies are on offer. Northern Avenue will be decorated with lights and a giant Christmas tree and there's the option of ice skating. New Year is celebrated with fireworks in the city centre.

Milan: Popular avenues, such as the Monte Napoleone or Corso Buenos Aires and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II feature festive decorations and installations. The Nutcracker ballet will also be performed at the iconic Teatro alla Scala on 31 December.

For more information, visit www.wego.com

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