With 2024 travel outlook looking particularly strong Skyscanner data reveals travel search demand is up 54% for 2024 compared to the previous year.
The global travel marketplace surveyed 1000 UAE holiday goers to discover more about their upcoming holiday plans and travel behaviours.
Key findings include:
- A huge 97% of travellers are keen to visit somewhere new in 2024, but 10% struggle to discover any new destinations.
- Amidst the current fatigue felt towards conventional tourist hotspots, 96% of travellers feel that the same destinations are perpetuated by social media, TV and film.
- Contrary to the repetitive echo-chamber of social media recommendations, 70% of holiday-makers affirm that they place higher trust in advice from seasoned travellers who have explored extensively themselves.
- 77% of travellers admit that the prospect of booking travel in 2024 is overwhelming.
- 42% attribute their apprehensions to the cost of travel, alongside 38% saying it stems from deciding where to go.
Skyscanner Everywhere Agent
Meanwhile, global travel marketplace, Skyscanner has appointed its first ever Everywhere Agent and launches its new Everywhere Guide for UAE travellers.
Whilst 97% of UAE travellers are keen to try somewhere new in 2024, 38% share that one of their biggest struggles when booking travel is deciding where to go.
What’s more, 70% of UAE travellers affirm that they place higher trust in advice from seasoned travellers who have explored extensively themselves. Amidst the current weariness towards predictable travel destinations, coupled with rising concerns about travel expenses and a preference for recommendations from experienced travellers, Skyscanner’s new Everywhere Guide and Everywhere Agent was created to help cash and time strapped UAE travellers.
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Inspired by the UAE’s favourite search tool ‘Everywhere’, the new programme will provide unrivalled travel advice to help consumers navigate their way through the plethora of recommendations available ahead of their 2024 trips.
Gunnar Garfors is the first person to visit every country in the world twice and holder of 10 travel-related world records. Gunnar is dedicated to assisting Skyscanner travellers with their holiday plans. After 30 years of exploration and writing six travel books, he’s a treasure trove of travel insights.
In collaboration with Skyscanner, Gunnar will be available for a limited, first-come, first-served virtual service where UAE holidaymakers can book a free ten-minute Everywhere Appointment video call for personalised travel recommendations and tips on how to make their travel spend go further in 2024.
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Gunnar Garfors, Skyscanner Everywhere Agent for the UAE says, “Having travelled the world twice, my aim is to ignite enthusiasm and inspire people to uncover unique and incredible destinations. I suggest going above and beyond the clichés dominating social media. For example, some of my favourite destinations within a 5 hour flight from the UAE include the cultural capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, and further afield Issyk-Kul Lake, which is surrounded by wild and impressive mountains as well as small and charming villages. Alternatively, visitors who are seeking a beach trip to Seychelles can explore Praslin and La Digue, as both offer a more laid-back atmosphere and are home to more affordable resorts and hotels than popular Mahé.”
From ‘Which destination should be on everyone’s bucket list’ to ‘Where can I get the most bang for my buck’, for more of Gunnar’s tips as well as a pricing breakdown for each destination recommendation, including cheapest day to travel and average prices for a 3* hotel stay.
From using the ‘Everywhere’ search function and browsing the Everywhere Guide, to booking exclusive 1:1 appointments with record-breaking Gunnar Garfors, Skyscanner’s offering is designed to alleviate traveller anxiety and provide travellers with the tools to discover lesser-known and more affordable destinations that align with individual preferences.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner Travel Expert says, ‘’Our Everywhere programme is not just about offering alternatives; it’s about inspiring a shift in perspective. Through exclusive 1:1 sessions with record-breaking Gunnar Garfors and his recommendations that go beyond the ordinary on the Everywhere Guide, we hope to empower and equip travellers with the tools needed to discover and enjoy destinations that they didn’t even know they desired.’’
Looking to getaway for less in 2024? Ayoub shares his top tips:
Destination unknown? Still not sure where to go in 2024 like 38% of UAE travellers?
Skyscanner’s Everywhere Guide, powered by insights from our record-breaking Everywhere Agent Gunnar Garfos, is on hand to help you discover everything, from where to get the best the street food to where can I get the most bang for my buck. Like to catch up in-person (virtually) with UAE’s Everywhere Agent? Sign up here on Skyscanner for your chance to bag a 10-minute Everywhere Appointment for destination recommendations beyond the ordinary.
Consider Everywhere: An ‘Everywhere’ search on Skyscanner’ is a great starting point for your next break away. Ordered by lowest to highest price from your departure airport to destinations around the globe, an ‘Everywhere’ search can inspire you to go somewhere you’ve never been before, and for a lower price than many traditional (or algorithm influenced) holiday destinations. In fact, ‘Everywhere’ is the top search destination for adventurous UAE travellers on Skyscanner this year!
Flex those dates: Searching by multiple dates is one of your best chances of a finding bargain. Flight prices are all based on supply and demand. As some dates are more popular than others, prices will vary. Skyscanner’s ‘cheapest month’ search tool allows you to see cheap flights at a glance and pick the right deal for you. Consider traveling a day before or a day after your original departure dates, as flying on less popular days of the week can be cheaper.”
Be price smart: Setting up price alerts will ensure you’re the first to know as prices drop with any additional discounts or added supply. You can mark a flight you’re interested in and Skyscanner will email you whenever the price goes up or down.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
