Many UAE residents plan long vacations without annual leave: study – News

Majority of people surveyed say they are willing to spend more on holidays this year, with wellness travel top of their list

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With remote working now an option for some UAE residents, many are already planning an extended holiday this year, according to a new study of travel trends.

According to the results of Marriott Bonvoy’s 2023 Travel Trends Study, 48% of UAE residents who extended their vacations emphasized that working remotely would allow them to enjoy longer vacations without taking annual leave for the entire vacation.

Nearly a third of Emiratis – some 31 per cent – are even planning a ‘working holiday’, where they will continue to log in and work while traveling, allowing them to experience new places without taking their annual leave, the study added.

“Because of the unique situation we find ourselves in, the travel trends in 2023 are more interesting than ever,” said Neil Jones, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, EMEA, Marriott International.

“It’s very clear that much of the sector’s recovery is based on increased tourist confidence, with most planning to spend more than they did last year,” he added.

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health holiday

About a quarter (26%) are also willing to pay more for luxury accommodation, and all-inclusive resorts will also be popular.

As a result, consumers have high expectations for their holiday accommodation – with cost, cleanliness and location listed as the three most important factors.

Health-led holidays will be the main type of holiday for Middle Easterners.

In fact, more than 61% of Emiratis and 73% of Saudis seek this type of travel.

Authentic travel is also key, with many looking to immerse themselves in a radical change of culture.

In order to immerse themselves in the local culture, 30% of Emiratis plan to spend three weeks or more in a destination for an extended holiday.

When it comes to the destinations they plan to visit in 2023, Turkey will be the most popular destination for Emiratis at 27%. This was followed by home holidays in the UAE (26%) and trips to the UK (20%).

“We’re also seeing other existing trends gaining traction. I’m delighted to see that so many travelers are making sustainability a priority, that most of them are taking it into consideration, and that many are building around this to plan their vacation,” Jones added.

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