UAE travellers are showing new patterns and preferences this year, according to musafir.com’s 2026 Annual Travel Insights Report.
The study highlights key trends shaping trips, from sustainable travel to digital influences, wellness, and women-led journeys.
1. Sustainable travel
Eco-conscious choices are gaining ground, with 35% of travellers actively seeking environmentally friendly options. Another 60% consider sustainability when planning trips, even if it comes at a higher cost. Eco-lodge bookings have risen 18% compared with the previous year, reflecting growing interest in responsible tourism.
2. Technology and social media
Digital tools are increasingly influencing travel decisions. The report found that 42% of travellers use AI chatbots, and 31% rely on AI to plan itineraries. Social media platforms also play a major role: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube inspire destination choices, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials.
3. Film and TV tourism
Screen-driven travel, or “set-jetting,” continues to rise. Around 23% of travellers visit destinations featured in films or TV series. Popular examples include France (Emily in Paris), Thailand and Sicily (The White Lotus), and Croatia and Iceland (Game of Thrones).
4. Heritage travel
UAE expats are revisiting ancestral homelands more frequently. About 31% take trips every two years to combine family visits with cultural exploration, highlighting a growing interest in reconnecting with roots.
5. Workcations and wellness trips
Blending work and leisure is becoming mainstream, with 27% of employed travellers taking 2–3 week workcations. Favoured destinations include Bali, Portugal, Greece, Mexico, and Thailand. Wellness-focused trips are also on the rise, featuring digital detox retreats, spa experiences, nature immersion, and stress-relief activities.
6. Women-led travel
Women are playing a larger role in shaping the travel market. Solo and group female trips are growing 15–20% annually, with safety, wellness, cultural sensitivity, and meaningful experiences as top priorities. Popular destinations for women include Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Bali, Morocco, Italy, and Greece.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
