Pluto Travels recognised as ‘Most promising TMC' at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024.
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Pluto Travels was recognised as the 'Most promising TMC' at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. 'This award is a testament to our collective effort. It is your dedication and hard work that made this achievement possible. Together, we shine and succeed!'-Sapna Aidasani, Marketing Director, Pluto Travels
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Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: New budget travel trends emerge after Israel-Iran conflict disrupts holiday plans
With tensions rising in parts of the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, many UAE residents have cancelled or postponed their summer vacations to countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. But travel agents say this shift has opened up new budget travel trends, with a surge in interest for Southeast Asia and the Far East. 'We are seeing a strong preference now for destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka,' said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism. 'Travellers are looking eastward. Many want to avoid uncertainty and enjoy the relaxed vibe of the monsoons.' Subair added that India and Sri Lanka are particularly standing out this year as go-to places for monsoon lovers. 'People are choosing to spend time in the rain-soaked greenery of Kerala, the hill stations of Himachal, or the tea estates of Sri Lanka. It's a different kind of experience, calm, cool, and refreshing.' Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto travels, said the trend is shifting to African regions as well, apart from Asian countries. ' After cancelling trips to Georgia and nearby countries, many residents are rebooking for Southeast Asian destinations. These places offer great value for money, visa-on-arrival or e-visa options, and the kind of flexibility travellers need.' The shift is due to recent flight cancellations to the Caucasus region resulting from airspace closures, and now travellers are rethinking their plans. Safety, ease of access, and overall travel experience are now at the forefront. 'There's uncertainty around the region. Families are wanting to travel, prioritising especially where travel is more visa-friendly,' said Bharath. Another factor pushing this trend is cost. Southeast Asia offers budget-friendly travel without compromising on nature, culture, or food. 'A lot of the destinations we are recommending now are not just affordable but also have great weather this time of year,' said Subair. 'And with school holidays on, families want to make the most of it because of the perfect timing.'
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: More visa extension requests from Jordanian, Lebanese tourists amid regional strife
Travel agents in the UAE are seeing a rise in inquiries from visitors, especially from Jordan, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern countries, who are looking to extend their stay due to the current tensions in the region. Many of these tourists came to the UAE for a short visit but now wish to remain longer, either due to flight cancellations or safety concerns about returning home. Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, said several visitors from countries affected by the regional tensions are choosing to stay back in the UAE for now. 'Flights to some of these countries are being cancelled or delayed,' he said. 'We are getting many calls from visitors who are worried about returning and want to extend their visas or exit and re-enter legally.' He added that the UAE continues to be seen as a safe place in the region, and many people feel more secure staying here until the situation improves. Aidasani said that his agency is receiving daily inquiries about visa renewals and extensions. 'Some visitors are scrambling to find a solution. They are either trying to extend their visas or making plans to exit and re-enter the UAE on a fresh visa.' Some residents cancel summer travel Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, said it's not just tourists who are changing their plans, even UAE residents and expats originally from countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran are postponing or cancelling their summer vacations. 'People who had planned to travel for the summer are now staying back,' he said. 'They are concerned about the ongoing conflict and airspace closures. Many don't want to take the risk of traveling right now.' Flights affected by tensions In recent weeks, several flights to and from countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Iran have been cancelled or rescheduled. The reason: airspace closures linked to tensions in the region, especially between Iran and Israel. This has also impacted travelers flying through the region, with some connecting flights being missed due to longer routes and delays. Advice for visitors Travel experts are advising visitors not to wait until the last minute. 'If you're on a visit visa and unsure of your travel plans, it's better to extend it in advance,' said Subair. 'Delaying could mean paying fines or even overstaying by accident. Act early and speak to your travel agent or apply through official channels.'
Khaleej Times
03-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE flights: Ticket prices up by 60% on peak travel day amid Eid Al Adha break
As UAE residents gear up for the upcoming Eid Al Adha break, travel demand to Arab and regional destinations is soaring, as are ticket prices. According to Bharat Aidasani, Managing Partner at Pluto Travels, airfares to Arab destinations have surged by up to 60 per cent during the Eid Al Adha holiday period as demand continues to outpace supply. "Because of the peak season, people love to travel, especially in the summer and during holiday times like Eid," Aidasani said, highlighting a consistent rise in travel demand. According to Aidasani, prices for flights to these destinations have risen between 20 to 30 per cent, with peak-day travel costs increasing by as much as 40 to 60 per cent. 'Airlines also get geared up for Eid. They start additional flights and open new routes wherever demand rises.' Arab destinations remain in high demand. Egypt continues to attract many UAE residents, while Syria is witnessing a surge as Syrians living in the UAE return home to celebrate Eid. Lebanon remains a consistent favorite, and Saudi Arabia sees increased traffic due to Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Praveen Choudhary from Al Saffron Travel and Tourism agrees and adds that Egypt and Morocco are among the Arab destinations with the highest surge in bookings this Eid. "We're seeing a major influx in Egypt visa applications during the holiday period," said Choudhary, noting a significant increase in demand from UAE residents and expats alike. Choudhary emphasised the importance of early booking to avoid steep price hikes. "If you book 40 to 45 days in advance, the price could be nearly half what it is now. For example, a ticket priced at Dh500 earlier might now be over Dh1,000." Zain Al Abdin, sales manager at Golden Eagle Travel & Tourism, added that airlines have ramped up operations to accommodate the surge. For example, 'Syrian Airlines used to be the only carrier flying to Syria, but now FlyDubai and Emirates are adding flights. Yet prices have increased by around 50 per cent,' Al Abdin said. Travellers who book last-minute tickets often face higher fares, especially for non-flexible or non-refundable ticket categories. 'About 90 per cent of the tickets people book are non-refundable,' he explained. With limited flexibility, travellers are often locked into dates set by public sector holidays. Different travel behaviours Compared to last Eid, bookings this year are strong but slightly lower. 'This is mainly due to the overlap of Eid holidays with school exams. Many families are delaying their travel until after Eid,' Al Abdin explained. Some families prefer spending the same budget on more extended post-Eid vacations rather than shorter, more expensive Eid getaways. 'A three-day Eid trip might cost Dh4,000 per person now. Some prefer to wait until after exams and spend Dh7,000 on a full summer trip instead,' he said. Travel after Eid is expected to be more affordable and appealing for long-haul trips. 'After Eid, prices will drop, especially for longer destinations like Europe, Russia, and northern Turkey,' he added. Looking at global destinations, Al Abdin pointed out that travelers prefer short-haul trips during Eid, such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Istanbul. "For long-haul destinations like Europe, Russia, North Turkey, Japan, Korea, or Norway, people wait for the summer holiday season."
