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Khaleej Times
13 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.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Flight prices to the USA have dropped to lowest since pre-pandemic - and could get even cheaper
Flight prices from Europe to the USA have dropped to their lowest since before the pandemic, as more and more holidaymakers are shunning the States in favour of alternative destinations. The US National Travel and Tourism Office has revealed a 2.8 per cent drop in overseas arrivals to the US in May compared to the previous year. And, in March, travel from Western Europe fell 17% year-on-year, according to the NTTO. This decline in transatlantic flights has been happening since earlier this year, when US President Donald Trump announced a strict tariff policy. And now, thanks to this drop in tourism, the price of return flights from the U.S. to Europe is down 10 per cent compared with a year ago. In fact, the average fares of $817/£609 per ticket are in line with prices from the summer of 2019 before the pandemic, according to travel booking app Hopper. This downward trend is expected to continue, as analytics firm OAG Aviation has said forward bookings for July show a 13 per cent year-on-year reduction in inbound travel to the States. Major carriers, including Air France KLM and Germany-based Lufthansa, have also confirmed they expect slowing activity. It comes after Sir Richard Branson exclusively told MailOnline Travel how Brits could benefit from going to the States now if they want a cheap holiday - due to the dollar having sunk to its lowest level in three years Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said the company expects weaker demand, while Air France KLM CEO Ben Smith said the company is seeing a 'slight pullback' in transatlantic traffic and will slash prices to keep cabins on its flights full. It comes after Sir Richard Branson exclusively told MailOnline Travel how Brits could benefit from going to the States now if they want a cheap holiday - due to the dollar having sunk to its lowest level in three years. Speaking at the opening of the new Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch, he told us: 'It's now costing people 12 or 15 per cent less than before Trump took over to go to America. 'A lot of Americans are very frustrated about the dollar collapsing in value, obviously, but that's been a great benefit to people living in the UK, as it makes it cheaper to go on holiday to the States. 'It means good hotel prices, and fuel prices are less too, so we can price our flights competitively.'
Skift
13-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
U.S. Tourism Slide Continued in May, Canadians Stayed Away
We'd been hearing CEOs talk about stabilization in travel trends. But the declines in visits from key markets — Canada, Germany — show that it will take time to repair strained relationships. The U.S. tourism slump worsened in May as overseas arrivals dropped 2.8% from a year earlier — a setback made more severe by a sharp collapse in travel from Canada, America's largest foreign market, according to government data released Friday. Canadian air visits plunged 24%, while car crossings tumbled 38%, compounding concerns about the country's faltering tourism recovery. The data from the U.S
Khaleej Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How Dubai is becoming a key player in the ultra-luxe cruise boom
Once seen as the domain of retired couples enjoying their golden years playing bingo and card games, cruising is seeing a revival as it is being thrust into the world of luxury travel. Major companies are investing in state-of-the-art new ships while global travel players, such as Virgin, are entering the market, and luxury hotel brands, such as Ritz-Carlton, Aman and Four Seasons, are joining the movement. Cruise companies are responding to the gastronomy boom and offering the latest food trends, fine-tuning fitness and wellness travel, and responding to the demand for more sustainable travel, all while offering an increasing number of remote destinations off the more well-trodden cruise routes. Rebecca Ransom, MEA business development manager at Norwegian Cruise Line, said there is huge potential for growth in the luxury sector as cruising still accounts for just 2.7 per cent of the total travel market, according to the Cruise Lines International Association's 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report. A recent Bloomberg report showed that the ultra-luxury cruise market is growing 2.5 times faster than the broader cruise industry, with projections estimating 1.5 million luxury cruisers by 2028. 'At Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), we're seeing similar patterns,' Ransom told LUXE. 'High-net-worth markets, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have shown rapid and stable post-pandemic recovery, with strong growth in both booking volume and revenue. In contrast, markets with lower purchasing power have experienced a more gradual rebound.' To meet this rising demand, many cruise and hospitality brands are expanding their luxury offerings or launching entirely new luxury lines, including NCL. 'We introduced The Haven by Norwegian™ — our exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept — aboard the Norwegian Epic in 2011. This private enclave, accessible only by keycard, is designed for discerning travellers seeking a refined and secluded experience at sea.' The Haven features spacious, elegantly appointed suites, some accommodating up to eight guests, 24-hour butler and concierge services, a private sundeck and restaurant, and priority access to dining, entertainment and shore excursions. Available on just 15 NCL ships, it offers luxury cruising across Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. It is time for an industry shake-up, she admits. 'In the eyes of many travellers, who are often times not very familiar with the industry, cruising is still considered very dusty and formal, resembling a Titanic-like experience with Captain's dinners, strict dress codes as well as promenades on the sun deck. 'There are still cruise lines that strive to deliver this kind of cruise experience, but there are also many cruise lines offering a more modern and relaxed experience. Even in the luxury segment.' Ransom says that the UAE, and Dubai in particular, is emerging as a key player in the global luxury cruise market. 'With its world-class port infrastructure, exceptional air connectivity, and reputation as a premier luxury destination, Dubai serves both as a strategic embarkation point and a marquee port of call for premium cruise itineraries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa,' she said. 'While our presence in Dubai has so far been limited to select turnaround operations and port calls, we see significant opportunity to expand our deployment in the region. As demand for cruising continues to grow globally, we are actively exploring ways to enhance our footprint in the Gulf.' Sapna Aidasani, marketing director at Pluto Travels, says Covid had a huge impact on the industry, seeing smaller, more intimate cruises forging ahead with a focus on smaller yachts and boutique cruises. She said offerings have also diversified with many cruises now focusing on detox, mindfulness and wellness retreats onboard, and upgraded connectivity seeing a rise in longer itineraries allowing people to work while they cruise, as trends show the rise of high-net-worth travellers blending business and leisure travel. 'Luxury at sea has reached an entirely new level,' she said. 'With iconic five-star brands, like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, entering the cruise industry, elegance now sails across oceans. These aren't just cruises — they're floating luxury hotels offering the same signature experiences and personalised service their guests expect on land.' The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has retractable marine platforms located at the aft of the yacht that serve as a private, ocean-level lounge that blurs the line between the vessel and the sea. 'It's not just a marina; it's a floating beach club designed to deliver an intimate, ocean-front luxury experience that rivals any private island,' added Aidasani. A nine-day cruise in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe and Baltic this summer departing from European ports will set travellers back at least $15,400. The brand's third superyacht, Luminara, which launches this summer, will have space for 452 passengers with experiences including 'diamond dust' facials. A 13-day African itinerary, starting from Cape Town, will cost travellers from $18,600, and a 14-night Asian tour from Hong Kong starts at $21,400. There is no end to the luxury offerings being created as hotels now battle for the sea. The 95-suite Four Seasons 1, opening next January with weeklong sailings to the likes of Antigua costing over $32,500 per suite, will go up to as much as $330,000 for the glass-enclosed, 10,000-square-foot penthouse for a week. And next summer, the Orient Express will launch its 220-meter, 54-suite vessel with a Guerlain spa, water sports and food by French Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The cost of a three-night cruise around the Côte d'Azur will be $19,075 per cabin. Instead of focusing on the older generation in their retirement years, cruising has also varied its offerings in a way that has transformed its reach. From cruise weddings to wellness cruises, she says that networking events for high level business communities are also jumping aboard, while it is also appealing to the party crowd with the likes of Greek island hopping among the favourites. Dubai is benefiting from this growing luxury cruise market once the European season winds down between October and March, welcoming some of the world's top cruise liners during this period, with routes covering the UAE, Oman, and Qatar. Cruises range from short two-day sailings to immersive five to six day journeys, making them incredibly popular among travellers from Central Asia. 'In short, the luxury cruise market is not just docking in Dubai, it's investing in it,' Aidasani added. 'One of the most exclusive experiences for Dubai's elite is the luxury cruise route from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and onwards to Sir Bani Yas Island, a hidden gem. This island offers a unique mix of African-style wildlife safaris, ultra-luxury beach resorts, and private suite villas, all in one destination. These two-day cruises are redefining high-end leisure travel within the UAE, drawing a growing luxury footfall to the country's undiscovered coastal treasures.' Aleksei Makarov, co-founder of Octanta Maritime Academy, which has just opened a school in Dubai, said cruising today is not what it was a decade ago. 'The industry has undergone a quiet revolution, moving from mass tourism to highly curated, high-end travel. Guests now board ships for transformative experiences. Yacht-like vessels, boutique expedition cruises, and ultra-luxury riverboats have emerged as floating sanctuaries. With brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons entering the space, the message is clear: cruising is no longer just a product — it's a lifestyle.' He told LUXE that the pandemic was a reset. 'Travellers began to seek privacy, safety, and meaning. Cruising, in its new form, offers all three. At the same time, younger generations have entered the space, demanding modern design, sustainability, and authenticity. The industry responded by reimagining the product: smaller ships, immersive itineraries, smarter tech, and elevated service standards.'
Hospitality Net
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
How Values and Tech are Reshaping Travel in 2025 and Beyond
Gen Z and Millennials spearhead a significant shift in the travel industry. They demonstrate how values and tech are reshaping travel in 2025 and beyond. Understanding the evolving travel trends of Gen Z, which are driving this change, is therefore crucial for the industry. These digital natives seek identity-forming, authentic experiences. Traditional holidays are not enough. Instead, technology, particularly social media, fuels their travel intent. Central to this evolution are Gen Z's unique values. A focus on purpose and spontaneity, for instance, consistently drives their decisions. Their inherent digital fluency, combined with these essential factors, is poised to transform global travel in remarkable ways. This upcoming shift will likely shape 2025 and beyond, setting a new course for the years to come. Takeaways Values First: Gen Z seeks authentic experiences, growth, sustainability, and connection over material travel perks. Tech's Influence: Social media (especially TikTok) inspires Gen Z, while AI personalizes their travel experiences. Key Gen Z Trends: Set jetting, gig tripping, short breaks, food travel, and off-grid exploration are rising. Smart Spending: Gen Z travellers are budget-conscious, prioritizing funds for unique activities over lavish stays. Essential Adaptation: Industry must balance tech with human touch, maintain trust, and embrace responsible practices. The ascent of a new traveller cohort The travel industry is witnessing a seismic shift. Gen Z, those aged between 18 and 27 in 2025, and Millennials, aged 28 to 43, are now the most influential travel demographics globally. Their approach to travel diverges sharply from traditional tourism models. They are not passive tourists. Instead, they are active participants in their journeys. For them, travel is an extension of their identity. Consequently, it is deeply intertwined with self-discovery and global connection. Technology is not just a tool for this cohort; it is an integral part of their travel DNA. Social media, in particular, acts as a primary catalyst, shaping desires and decisions. This dynamic demands a fresh perspective from hospitality providers. Adapting to their unique values and tech-savviness is paramount. Experiences over possessions For Gen Z, the value of travel lies in experiences, not souvenirs. Travel is far more than a mere break from routine. It is an essential component of their personal growth. Furthermore, it helps them connect with the world and understand their place in it. They actively prioritize experiences over material goods. This quest for meaning translates into a desire for travel that is both enriching and transformative. Hotels, therefore, need to focus on curating unique and memorable experiences. These experiences should resonate with Gen Z's search for personal development and social connection. Authenticity and novelty Predictability is the enemy of the Gen Z traveller. They actively seek spontaneity and adventure. This generation yearns for personal growth through their journeys. As a result, they are drawn to unique, authentic, and culturally rich experiences. Lesser-known destinations often hold more appeal than crowded tourist hotspots. Indeed, a significant 68% of Gen Z travellers prioritize destinations where they can 'discover something new.' This preference often leads them to explore 'dupe destinations' or off-beat locations. They are not just visiting; they are exploring and engaging. Thus, hotels and travel companies should highlight the unique cultural fabric of their locations. Purposeful and conscious travel Today's younger travellers are increasingly conscious of their impact. They are evolving from passive consumers into active participants in sustainable tourism. This includes engaging in conservation projects. It might also involve participating in community programs or seeking genuine cultural exchanges. Consequently, the younger population will likely avoid destinations perceived as harmful to the climate. They also shun places lacking a regenerative or responsible tourism component. Travel in 2025 is becoming more deliberate and introspective. It has a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and profound experiences. Therefore, demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability is vital for attracting this demographic. Affordability and savvy budgeting strategies Affordability is a key factor for Gen Z travellers, who prioritize exploration despite rising travel costs. They often make sacrifices in other areas to fund their adventures and practice responsible consumption. Many pool resources with friends, utilize group discounts, and choose shared accommodations to stretch their budgets. A significant 72% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers prefer affordable hotels, allowing them to spend more on experiences. Hotels that provide value without sacrificing quality will succeed. The desire for connection and community 'Tribe Travel' Paradoxically, despite being hyper-connected online, Gen Z and Millennials report rising levels of loneliness. This fuels a fundamental human desire for genuine communion and community during their travels. 'Tribe Travel' is a significant motivating factor for 2025. This trend emphasizes forming strong bonds and creating lasting memories. They travel with family and loved ones. Consequently, accommodations and experiences that facilitate group interaction and shared moments will resonate deeply. This could include communal spaces, group-friendly activities, and tailored family packages. The new travel currency: Gen Z and Millennials prioritize creating and sharing memorable experiences, from scenic road trips to unique dining, all fueled by social media. The new search engine and inspiration hub The way Gen Z discovers and plans travel has been revolutionized by social media. Platforms like TikTok are no longer just for entertainment. TikTok's dominance: TikTok has emerged as a primary tool for product discovery and travel inspiration. An estimated 40% of Gen Z consumers prefer TikTok over established search engines, such as Google. They use it for finding hotels, tours, or travel hacks. Astonishingly, 72% of Gen Z consider 'Googling' to be synonymous with searching on TikTok. TikTok has emerged as a primary tool for product discovery and travel inspiration. An estimated 40% of Gen Z consumers prefer TikTok over established search engines, such as Google. They use it for finding hotels, tours, or travel hacks. Astonishingly, 72% of Gen Z consider 'Googling' to be synonymous with searching on TikTok. Authenticity and real-time glimpses: Unlike the often carefully curated feeds on Instagram, TikTok offers unfiltered, real-time glimpses into destinations. This content frequently comes from locals or fellow travellers. This raw authenticity strongly appeals to Gen Z's desire for genuine experiences. Unlike the often carefully curated feeds on Instagram, TikTok offers unfiltered, real-time glimpses into destinations. This content frequently comes from locals or fellow travellers. This raw authenticity strongly appeals to Gen Z's desire for genuine experiences. Influencer marketing and social shopping: Social media platforms are now integral to travel inspiration. About 17% of travellers cite TikTok as their primary source of inspiration. Instagram influences 27% of people when choosing destinations. Furthermore, half of all consumers have felt compelled to book a trip they saw on social media. Travel brands are adapting rapidly. For example, Expedia's 'Travel Shops' allow direct booking of creator-curated trips. Social media platforms are now integral to travel inspiration. About 17% of travellers cite TikTok as their primary source of inspiration. Instagram influences 27% of people when choosing destinations. Furthermore, half of all consumers have felt compelled to book a trip they saw on social media. Travel brands are adapting rapidly. For example, Expedia's 'Travel Shops' allow direct booking of creator-curated trips. Content creation and engagement: Social media platforms shape the culture and preferences of this generation. Brands are increasingly collaborating with micro and nano creators. These creators share authentic, on-the-ground content on platforms like TikTok. This inspires the 'I want to go there' travel intent. Gen Z uses social media significantly more for product research (+22 percentage points compared to the overall average). AI, the planning and experience enhancer Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the travel landscape. It impacts how travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. Transforming operations and customer experience: AI is set to reshape business operations within the travel industry. It promises to significantly improve the customer experience. Moreover, it can drive sustainable growth. AI is set to reshape business operations within the travel industry. It promises to significantly improve the customer experience. Moreover, it can drive sustainable growth. Personalization and efficiency: AI-powered assistants and personalized itineraries will mark a significant leap into a high-tech travel future in 2025. Leading companies like Marriott Bonvoy and Alaska Airlines are already using AI for sophisticated trip planners. AI voice assistants are also expected to become a core part of travel and dining booking processes. This level of personalization directly appeals to Gen Z's desire for tailored experiences. AI-powered assistants and personalized itineraries will mark a significant leap into a high-tech travel future in 2025. Leading companies like Marriott Bonvoy and Alaska Airlines are already using AI for sophisticated trip planners. AI voice assistants are also expected to become a core part of travel and dining booking processes. This level of personalization directly appeals to Gen Z's desire for tailored experiences. Operational streamlining: Businesses are leveraging AI to dramatically slash product development times. They are also using it to streamline production capabilities and cut operational costs. However, this rapid market entry facilitated by AI also comes with increased business risks that need careful management. Businesses are leveraging AI to dramatically slash product development times. They are also using it to streamline production capabilities and cut operational costs. However, this rapid market entry facilitated by AI also comes with increased business risks that need careful management. Future adaptability: It is crucial for travel companies to ensure they are well-positioned. They must adapt to increasingly smart personal assistant technology. This technology will likely become central to how Gen Z manages their travel. Bridging the digital divide thoughtfully While Gen Z and Millennials are deeply immersed in the digital world, a digital divide still exists. There is a significant opportunity for travel companies to tailor experiences. They can close this gap for older generations. Simultaneously, they can super-serve the younger, tech-savvy early adopters. This means offering intuitive digital tools for Gen Z. It also means providing alternative, more traditional service options for those less comfortable with technology. Maintaining trust in a digital age of scrutiny Online trust is increasingly under scrutiny. This directly affects consumer behaviour towards businesses, including travel providers. Brands must proactively address data privacy concerns. This is especially critical with the increased adoption of AI and personalized services. Transparency in data usage and robust security measures are essential for building and maintaining Gen Z's trust. Adapting continuously to evolving demands and expectations The preferences of Gen Z and Millennials are not static. They demand active, spontaneous, and transformative travel experiences. Therefore, the travel industry must commit to continuous innovation and adaptation. This means staying agile, embracing new technologies thoughtfully, and constantly seeking feedback from these younger cohorts to refine offerings. The dawn of a new travel era Gen Z and Millennials are transforming the travel industry with their demand for authentic and purposeful experiences, driven by technology. To succeed, the travel sector must focus on intentional, responsible, and sustainable travel while leveraging smart, human-centric technology. Understanding Gen Z travel trends is essential for adapting to this dynamic landscape and ensuring long-term growth. About Shiji Group Shiji is a global technology company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the hospitality industry, ensuring seamless operations for hoteliers day and night. Built on the Shiji Platform—the only truly global hotel technology platform—Shiji's cloud-based solutions include property management system, point-of-sale, guest engagement, distribution, payments, and data intelligence for over 91,000 hotels worldwide, including the largest hotel chains. With more than 5,000 employees across the world, Shiji is a trusted partner for the world's leading hoteliers, delivering technology that works as continuously as the industry itself. That's why the best hotels run on Shiji—day and night. While its primary focus is on hospitality, Shiji also serves select customers in food service, retail, and entertainment in certain regions. For more information, visit View source
