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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Which new holiday destinations are UAE residents choosing this summer amid Iran-Israel tensions
Visa ease, cost savings, and flight disruptions are reshaping UAE residents' summer travel choices toward Southeast Asia and Africa/ Image generated using AI for creative and illustative purposes only Following the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, travel patterns among UAE residents have changed significantly. With increased uncertainty in the Caucasus region, particularly countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, many have cancelled or postponed their trips. In response, new budget travel trends have emerged, with a growing preference for destinations across Southeast Asia, the Far East, and parts of Africa. Flight cancellations and airspace closures over conflict-affected areas have made travellers rethink their itineraries, prioritizing safety, visa accessibility, affordability, and overall ease of travel. Instead of traditional summer hotspots, UAE travellers are now looking to destinations that offer reliable connectivity, more lenient visa policies such as visa-on-arrival or e-visas, and weather conditions suitable for relaxed, nature-oriented holidays, especially during the school break period. Leading travel agencies in the UAE, including Wisefox Tourism and Pluto Travels, have observed a strong shift in UAE residents' travel plans this summer. Agencies report a surge in demand for destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka, which offer a mix of affordability, natural beauty, and visa convenience. Monsoon-season getaways are especially popular, with travellers opting for the green landscapes of Kerala, the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, and Sri Lanka's tea estates for their cool, serene appeal. This trend is also shaped by cost factors and the current school holiday period. With simplified visa options like visa-on-arrival and e-visas, these destinations offer the flexibility and value UAE travellers are now prioritising. Top Emerging Destinations Here's a look at the places now trending among UAE holidaymakers, along with the unique experiences they offer: Thailand Known for its tropical beaches, bustling night markets, and ancient temples, Thailand is a perennial favourite. It offers excellent value for money, convenient travel options, and a wide variety of experiences ranging from adventure sports to cultural tours. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer everything from budget hostels to luxurious resorts. Vietnam With its scenic landscapes, historical cities, and delicious street food, Vietnam offers a rich cultural experience. Popular stops include Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. The country also boasts affordable accommodations and food, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Laos A quieter alternative in Southeast Asia, Laos is known for its laid-back charm, French-colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and river cruises along the Mekong. It appeals especially to travellers seeking serenity and unspoiled natural beauty. China While China is gaining attention for its vast array of attractions, from the Great Wall and ancient cities like Xi'an to modern hubs like Shanghai and Beijing, it also offers mountain retreats, traditional villages, and rich culinary experiences. UAE citizens do not need to apply for a visa and can stay in China for up to 30 days, making travel to this diverse destination easier and more accessible. Japan Japan is appreciated for its blend of tradition and modernity. With excellent public transport and high safety standards, it attracts families and solo travellers alike. Destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer temples, gardens, futuristic tech, and unique cuisine. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is attracting those looking for cool, green, and rainy getaways. Tea plantations in the central highlands, historic cities like Kandy, and beach towns like Galle provide a mix of culture and nature. The monsoon season adds to the experience for travellers who enjoy cooler weather and lush surroundings. India India's diverse geography is drawing interest, particularly regions that thrive during the monsoon. Kerala offers backwaters, rain-soaked greenery, and Ayurvedic retreats. Himachal Pradesh provides cool hill stations like Manali and Shimla. These destinations offer a calming escape from summer heat and crowds. African Regions Parts of Africa are seeing increased bookings. These destinations are becoming popular for their nature-based tourism, safari experiences, cultural heritage, and budget-friendly travel packages. Eased visa processes are also contributing to their appeal. Key Reasons for the Shift in Travel Choices Flight disruptions to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan due to the conflict Increased safety concerns around the Middle East and Caucasus Visa-friendly options like e-visas and visa-on-arrival services in Asia and Africa Cost-effectiveness, especially in Southeast Asia Favorable weather, particularly for those seeking cooler or monsoon-climate holidays School holidays, prompting families to find destinations that are both enjoyable and affordable As regional instability affects traditional travel patterns, UAE residents are quickly adapting. With many turning to Asia and Africa for their summer holidays, these new preferences are reshaping the tourism market, opening up opportunities for richer, more affordable travel experiences.
Khaleej Times
8 hours 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
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travel plans disrupted? Guide to refunds, rescheduling amid regional tensions
With rising regional tensions and airspace closures across the Middle East, many UAE residents are cancelling their summer holidays to the Caucasus and the Middle East, including popular destinations like Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Jordan, and Lebanon. The uncertainty caused by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted travel plans for many. With airspace closed, flights have either been delayed or cancelled, leaving travellers anxious about getting stranded or facing last-minute changes. 'People are either postponing their plans or cancelling altogether,' said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism. 'Travellers are opting for refunds instead of waiting. They are unsure how long the situation will last.' Avinash Adnani, managing director of Neo Travel and Tourism, observed a similar situation. 'Right now, most travellers are cancelling and waiting for more clarity,' he said. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. According to travel agents, airlines are offering full refunds in some cases. They said that if an airline cancels your flight, you are generally entitled to a full refund or can change your travel dates for free. 'Some airlines are also giving travel vouchers to use at a later date,' said Subair. However, if you cancel the trip yourself while the flight is still operating, regular cancellation rules apply, which may result in losing a portion of the amount. 'Refunds or date changes are offered only when the flight is cancelled by the airline,' said Adnani. 'If it's a voluntary cancellation, then the standard policies kick in.' Hotels and tours: 'Mostly flexible' The good news is that most hotels and tour operators are being supportive during this time, said travel aggregators. 'Hotels are mostly allowing date changes or refunds, depending on their policy,' said Subair. 'Local tours are usually refundable too.' Avinash added that in many cases, local agents in the destination countries are also doing their best to either offer full refunds or minimise losses. 'They are trying to help as much as possible,' he said. Online bookings: 'Could be tricky' For those who booked through online platforms, obtaining a refund may not be as straightforward. While possible, the process often takes time. Advice for upcoming travellers Travel experts suggest that when planning a holiday, consider destinations that are stable and currently open to tourism. 'There are plenty of beautiful and safe places to visit right now,' said Subair. 'And talk to your travel agent; they will help you book flexibly in case plans need to change again.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict sparks high surge in UAE visa extensions as tourists rush to stay safe
As political instability escalates in parts of the Middle East, the UAE is witnessing a growing wave of travel changes, with visitors and residents alike choosing to stay longer or cancel upcoming trips. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Travel agencies in the country are fielding a sharp increase in calls from individuals, particularly from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran, seeking solutions to remain in the UAE amid safety concerns and disrupted flight operations. Travel agents across the UAE have reported a noticeable surge in inquiries from tourists who had entered the country on short-term visit visas but now wish to remain longer than originally planned. The key reasons include airspace closures, flight cancellations, and widespread concerns about returning to areas affected by ongoing conflict. Speaking to a local news outlet, Khaleej Times, Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, confirme that many of these visitors are actively seeking legal avenues to extend their stay. '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 noted that Jordanian, Lebanese, and other Middle Eastern nationals are among the most frequent callers, and that inquiries are coming in daily. 'Some visitors are scrambling to find a solution,' Aidasani explained. 'They are either trying to extend their visas or making plans to exit and re-enter the UAE on a fresh visa.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For many, the UAE is now seen as a safe haven compared to the unpredictability back home. Aidasani emphasized that this perception of the Emirates as a secure place is a major factor in their decision. '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,' he said. Residents Cancel or Postpone Summer Travel The shift in travel patterns is not limited to tourists. UAE residents, especially expatriates originally from regions experiencing tensions, are also opting to delay or cancel summer holiday plans. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, told Khaleej Times that many of their clients, including long-term residents, have decided against traveling this summer. '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.' He noted that some residents were hesitant not only due to the conflicts themselves, but also due to unpredictability in flight schedules and the risk of being stranded or delayed. Flights Affected by Tensions in the Region In recent weeks, multiple flights connecting the UAE with countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Iran have been cancelled or rescheduled, primarily due to airspace restrictions linked to ongoing regional tensions. The geopolitical strain, particularly involving Iran and Israel, has led to closures of key flight corridors. As a result, passengers on connecting flights that pass through the affected region are also facing indirect disruptions, including missed connections and longer flight durations caused by re-routing. These delays have created further uncertainty for travelers, who are now increasingly cautious and opting to reconsider their immediate travel plans. Advice from Travel Agents: Act Early, Stay Informed With the situation remaining fluid, travel experts are urging visitors not to wait until the last minute when it comes to visa extensions or travel decisions. Being proactive can help avoid penalties or complications. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, advised short-term visitors to take timely action if they're uncertain about their travel plans. 'If you're on a visit visa and unsure of your travel plans, it's better to extend it in advance,' he said. 'Delaying could mean paying fines or even overstaying by accident. Act early and speak to your travel agent or apply through official channels.' He also recommended that both visitors and residents take the following precautions: Check flight updates regularly, as schedules are subject to sudden change Remain in close contact with embassies and consulates for the latest travel advisories Use licensed agents or official platforms for visa extensions or re-entry permits to avoid any legal issues
Khaleej Times
2 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.'
