Latest news with #JovialTravels
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
UAE travel trends shift as European heatwaves make summers unbearable
As extreme heatwaves sweep across Europe in summer 2025, a growing number of UAE residents are reconsidering their traditional travel destinations. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain, once popular summer escapes from the UAE's desert heat, are now facing record-breaking temperatures, sometimes even exceeding those in the Gulf region. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On Monday, wildfires erupted in Turkey and France, prompting emergency evacuations of over 50,000 people, as an early summer heatwave swept through southern Europe. Health warnings were issued across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Germany. Even the Netherlands, known for its temperate climate, issued alerts for high temperatures and humidity. A Chance to Try Something New Fatima Al Nuaimi, a 34-year-old Emirati from Al Ain, is among many UAE residents altering their travel plans due to rising European temperatures. She told ABC News that her family has traditionally spent two to three weeks every summer in southern Europe, often divided between France and Italy. 'This year, when I checked the weather in June and July, it was already crossing 35 degrees. We didn't want to be stuck indoors the whole time,' Fatima said. Fatima said her decision was largely driven by concerns for her two young children. 'When it's that hot, there's very little you can do with kids. Sightseeing becomes a burden, and outdoor activities are limited. It defeats the purpose of the trip,' she explained. In search of a more comfortable climate, Fatima and her family chose to travel to Queenstown, New Zealand—a destination they had never visited before. With current temperatures ranging between 14 and 18°C, New Zealand offered not only relief from the heat but opportunities for outdoor adventure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'It's winter, so the kids can still be outside, explore nature, and we don't have to worry about overheating,' she said. The family also found the switch financially sensible. 'Flights were more available, and it turned out to be a little cheaper than our usual Europe trips. We're treating it as an opportunity to try something new,' Fatima added. A Clear Shift in UAE Summer Travel Preferences Travel agencies in the UAE are seeing a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour. According to Vinoli Obeysekara, Head of Sales at Jovial Travels, climate is now a deciding factor for many UAE travellers. 'We are seeing a clear shift in the way people plan their holidays, with now a key factor in travel decisions,' she told Gulf News. 'Many of our clients are adjusting their itineraries to avoid periods of extreme heat and are showing greater interest in sustainable travel options.' She also noted an increase in demand for eco-friendly accommodations and responsible tourism. 'There is a growing awareness about the environmental impact of tourism, and travellers are asking for responsible experiences. At Jovial Travels, we are committed to guiding our clients towards choices that are both memorable and mindful of the planet,' she said. Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, echoed similar sentiments in a statement to The National. 'Summer used to be mostly Europe. It's still there, but many are waiting until the last minute because of the heat. These last few years, it's getting hotter there,' he said. Al Rais noted that alternative destinations are growing in popularity. 'Some are choosing alternatives like Cape Town or the Gold Coast. In Cape Town, it's winter, so you get 13 to 15 degrees. Switzerland is still a good option because the mountains help, but overall, people are being more careful.' What This Means for UAE Travellers in 2025 With European destinations facing climate uncertainty, UAE holidaymakers are increasingly prioritising weather comfort, safety, and sustainability when making their summer travel plans. From Queenstown's crisp winter air to the coastal coolness of Cape Town, families are discovering new places beyond the traditional European hotspots. For many, this shift is more than a temporary detour, it may signal a lasting change in UAE summer travel trends. 'We're treating this as an opportunity to try something new,' Fatima Al Nuaimi said, echoing what may soon become the new mindset of the modern UAE traveller.
Tourism Breaking News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
UTravel leaders recognised for exceptional 2024 sales performance
Post Views: 735 As the UAE continues to cement its reputation as a global epicenter for both corporate and luxury leisure travel, UTRAVEL is highlighting a significant recognition received at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. At the record-breaking event, which drew over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries, UTRAVEL's Operations Manager Duleepa Naveen and Holidays Manager Fadi Abu Rashid were honored with the 'Excellent Performance in Sales for 2024' award. This accolade celebrates their pivotal leadership and the company's vital role in the sector's transformation. This recognition comes as the GCC travel industry experiences unprecedented momentum, driven by surging demand for bespoke luxury holidays and the growing 'bleisure' trend, where business and leisure travel seamlessly intersect. UTRAVEL's standout sales performance in 2024, now validated on ATM's global stage, directly reflects its ability to anticipate and meet the sophisticated needs of today's travelers across both its B2B corporate travel solutions and through its dedicated luxury leisure arm, Jovial Travels. 'Our recognition at ATM 2025 for 'Excellent Performance in Sales for 2024' is a powerful affirmation of our strategic direction and the collective effort behind it,' said Duleepa Naveen, Operations Manager at UTRAVEL. 'UTRAVEL's legacy in B2B travel has always been built on precision and collaboration. This very spirit, encapsulated by our philosophy 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,' has been seamlessly extended to Jovial Travels, allowing us to connect with discerning leisure travelers seeking truly unique experiences.' Fadi Abu Rashid, Corporate Travel Manager, added: 'This award is a shared triumph. It validates our team's commitment to crafting tailor-made journeys that resonate with the evolving preferences of modern travelers in the UAE and beyond. Whether facilitating complex corporate travel or designing dream luxury escapes, our focus remains on unparalleled service and creating memorable experiences.' The ATM 2025 event, themed 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,' not only celebrated innovation but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. UTRAVEL's achievement, recognized amid a record number of exhibitors and attendees, stands as a testament to its comprehensive approach, combining decades of B2B excellence with a forward-thinking focus on luxury leisure. As the region's travel sector continues its robust growth, UTRAVEL and Jovial Travels reaffirm their commitment to delivering value, innovation, and personalized service, helping shape the future of travel experiences across the GCC.
The National
01-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Seven megatrends shaping Middle East travel, from gig tourism to AI
Forget sleep tourism, noctourism and ancestral trips – these are all trends or micro-trends that are popular right now, but don't have the staying power of megatrends. What's the difference? The former are often a bandwagon to jump on for a limited time, while megatrends are shaping the tourism industry and how we travel. A handful of megatrends are having an impact on traveller experiences in the Middle East, according to experts at Arabian Travel Market, which is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre this week. They crop up in conversation time and time again, and range from the huge potential of the cruise sector to gig tourism and travellers' use of AI. Increasingly, travellers around the world are planning trips to coincide with major events. Think the 'Taylor Swift effect', where the US megastar's Eras Tour had a direct economic benefit on the cities where she performed. Known as 'gig tourism', it is particularly popular in the Middle East, where Coldplay, for example, brought international travellers to the UAE. 'It's not just about attending an event,' says Sebastien Doussin, senior vice president of global travel services and destination management at dnata Travel Group. 'It's about what surrounds it – the access, the cultural immersion, the sense of belonging to something larger.' This is why tour operators are creating one-off experiences for travellers flying into the UAE during these 'big-ticket events'. For example, Arabian Adventures has scheduled an exclusive desert evening with former Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December. With world-class venues such as Expo City Dubai, the Coca-Cola Arena, and facilities at Yas Island such as the Etihad Arena, the UAE is uniquely equipped to host major international audiences, Doussin tells The National. 'Beyond the venues themselves, the UAE offers an unmatched supporting ecosystem: seamless airport connectivity, premium accommodation at every scale, a vibrant culinary scene, cutting-edge transport and a highly service-oriented hospitality sector.' For the first time, technically speaking, seven generations can travel together, from the babies of Generation Beta to the ageing Silent Generation. This is giving rise to the trend of multi-generational travel worldwide, but particularly in the Middle East, where family values underpin everyday life. New luxury travel agency Jovial Travels, based in Dubai's JLT, says this has also generated a new trend called 'soft summering'. This movement is centred on slower rhythms and meaningful togetherness. Nearly half (45 per cent) of UAE residents prioritise family holidays focused on quality time and relaxation, while 58 per cent of millennial and Gen Z parents plan to bring extended family on holiday in 2025, and 89 per cent cite 'quality time' as their top motivation, according to Vinoli Obeysekara, head of sales at Jovial Travels. 'We're witnessing a real appetite for travel that feels restorative, not rushed.' While we have long been able to take cruises in this region, this is only going to become more popular, particularly following the introduction of Aroya Cruises, the first Saudi Arabian cruise line. In the UAE, the cruise sector is projected to reach $16.17 million this year, and the Emirates is becoming a popular destination thanks to its luxe ports, vibrant culture and warm weather, according to Statista Market Insights. Middle East ports are expected to record 300,000 cruise visits in 2025, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report, and cruise capacity is rising to build regional connectivity. Leading Swiss-Italian cruise line MSC Cruises has long been committed to the region and is set to expand its offerings, according to global executive director Angelo Capurro. These include more attractive offers for Middle East residents, such as last-minute booking options, which the company has noted as a local preference. Saudi Arabia is arguably having the biggest impact on regional tourism, as it continues to break all records in the sector, with 30 million international arrivals last year. By 2030, the country aims to reach 70 million visitors, making it one of the top seven most-visited nations worldwide, according to the kingdom's Ministry of Tourism. A huge proportion of this comes from religious tourism, as more pilgrims than ever head to Makkah for Umrah and Hajj, but Saudi Arabia is also benefitting from increased connectivity and tapping into younger, wealthier travellers who are seeking new and authentic experiences, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report. Speaking of authentic experiences, one of the biggest talking points of ATM this year is the trend of 'experiential travel' and 'authenticity'. While these can be seen as buzzwords, their essence is really important, says Paul Mulcahy, chief commercial officer of Mauritius hotel management company The Lux Collective. The brand perhaps epitomises this trend, and has two properties scheduled to open within the next few years in Sharjah. 'We genuinely try to bring the culture into the hotel,' Mulcahy explains. 'We put a lot of thought into making sure that when a visitor comes, they know where they are and they get a chance to really experience the location.' The company does this by incorporating local ingredients and cuisine, collaborating with nearby communities on architecture, artworks or experiences, and respecting the environment where each hotels is located. The Middle East is a travel destination that appeals to wealthier, younger audiences and those interested in adventure tourism and niche activities, according to the travel trends report. Authenticity is key, says Dave Goodger, from Oxford Tourism Economics, which worked with ATM on the report. A group of experts broke down the trend further at a panel discussion called The Power to Empower: Cultural Connectivity and Inclusion on day two of the ATM event. Deborah Thomson, cluster general manager of JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Terra Cabins, gave the example of an on-site coffee shop, based on a Hatta businessman's concept, which has become a popular local hangout. 'Hatta is quite a small place, with a population of 7,000, so it's important that we make the community feel part of our resort,' she said. Another example came from Blacklane, a global premium chauffeur service, which incorporates cultural elements into the car journey. In Saudi Arabia, this includes traditional fragrances, dates and coffee – things that connect travellers to the local environment. Again, this is a global trend, but one that has really taken hold in the region. Wellness tourism is set to jump from $830.2 billion in 2023 to over $1.3 trillion in 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute. The Middle East and North Africa has been cited as one of the fastest-growing regions for this trend. 'We call it passport to immortality,' said Fouad Talaat, regional manager for at another panel discussion at ATM. 'This is customers wanting to travel and experience longevity wellness resorts that offer cutting-edge technology like red light, cryotherapy and more to seek benefits beyond immediate relaxation. They want long-term benefits.' This is another trend The Lux Collective has tapped into. It is introducing wellness programmes that include a follow-up when you get home. 'The idea is, you come and you'll do something that you take away with you,' says Mulcahy. 'We've all been there -you try to be good for a period of time and then let it all go. We're trying to make it last that bit longer, make it a bit more sincere.' We couldn't talk trends without touching on AI. New technology is being embraced across the region's travel industry, not just by hotels or tour operators, but by travellers themselves. 'Would-be travellers to the Middle East are twice as likely as other travellers to use AI chatbots,' says Goodger. Around 60 per cent of those interested in visiting the Middle East have used AI at least once before for their travel planning, while 60 per cent of travellers from the UAE trusted AI to plan every aspect of their trip compared to 48 per cent of tourists elsewhere. 'The algorithm is the planner,' said Aleix Rodriguez Brunsoms, director of strategy at Skift Advisory, in a talk about trends shaping the region. 'Social feeds and AI are inspiring and booking travellers' next trips. They're no longer just sources of inspiration, but trip planning and booking platforms.' Eighty per cent of travellers consult social media before making a travel decision, and 60 per cent are comfortable booking directly via social media, according to Skift. 'Gen Z and millennials are using this before Google, and influencers have gone from passive content creators to active travel sellers,' said Brunsoms. 'Destination marketing in the region is not about flashy campaigns, but building thousands of micro moments that are then emphasised by AI and distributed by influencers.'
The National
01-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Seven megatrends shaping Middle East tourism, from gig tourism to AI
Forget sleep tourism, noctourism and ancestral trips – these are all trends or micro-trends that are popular right now, but don't have the staying power of megatrends. What's the difference? The former are often a bandwagon to jump on for a limited time, while megatrends are shaping the tourism industry and how we travel. A handful of megatrends are having an impact on traveller experiences in the Middle East, according to experts at Arabian Travel Market, which is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre this week. They crop up in conversation time and time again, and range from the huge potential of the cruise sector to gig tourism and travellers' use of AI. Increasingly, travellers around the world are planning trips to coincide with major events. Think the 'Taylor Swift effect', where the US megastar's Eras Tour had a direct economic benefit on the cities where she performed. Known as 'gig tourism', it is particularly popular in the Middle East, where Coldplay, for example, brought international travellers to the UAE. 'It's not just about attending an event,' says Sebastien Doussin, senior vice president of global travel services and destination management at dnata Travel Group. 'It's about what surrounds it – the access, the cultural immersion, the sense of belonging to something larger.' This is why tour operators are creating one-off experiences for travellers flying into the UAE during these 'big-ticket events'. For example, Arabian Adventures has scheduled an exclusive desert evening with former Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December. With world-class venues such as Expo City Dubai, the Coca-Cola Arena, and facilities at Yas Island such as the Etihad Arena, the UAE is uniquely equipped to host major international audiences, Doussin tells The National. 'Beyond the venues themselves, the UAE offers an unmatched supporting ecosystem: seamless airport connectivity, premium accommodation at every scale, a vibrant culinary scene, cutting-edge transport and a highly service-oriented hospitality sector.' For the first time, technically speaking, seven generations can travel together, from the babies of Generation Beta to the ageing Silent Generation. This is giving rise to the trend of multi-generational travel worldwide, but particularly in the Middle East, where family values underpin everyday life. New luxury travel agency Jovial Travels, based in Dubai's JLT, says this has also generated a new trend called 'soft summering'. This movement is centred on slower rhythms and meaningful togetherness. Nearly half (45 per cent) of UAE residents prioritise family holidays focused on quality time and relaxation, while 58 per cent of millennial and Gen Z parents plan to bring extended family on holiday in 2025, and 89 per cent cite 'quality time' as their top motivation, according to Vinoli Obeysekara, head of sales at Jovial Travels. 'We're witnessing a real appetite for travel that feels restorative, not rushed.' While we have long been able to take cruises in this region, this is only going to become more popular, particularly following the introduction of Aroya Cruises, the first Saudi Arabian cruise line. In the UAE, the cruise sector is projected to reach $16.17 million this year, and the Emirates is becoming a popular destination thanks to its luxe ports, vibrant culture and warm weather, according to Statista Market Insights. Middle East ports are expected to record 300,000 cruise visits in 2025, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report, and cruise capacity is rising to build regional connectivity. Leading Swiss-Italian cruise line MSC Cruises has long been committed to the region and is set to expand its offerings, according to global executive director Angelo Capurro. These include more attractive offers for Middle East residents, such as last-minute booking options, which the company has noted as a local preference. Saudi Arabia is arguably having the biggest impact on regional tourism, as it continues to break all records in the sector, with 30 million international arrivals last year. By 2030, the country aims to reach 70 million visitors, making it one of the top seven most-visited nations worldwide, according to the kingdom's Ministry of Tourism. A huge proportion of this comes from religious tourism, as more pilgrims than ever head to Makkah for Umrah and Hajj, but Saudi Arabia is also benefitting from increased connectivity and tapping into younger, wealthier travellers who are seeking new and authentic experiences, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report. Speaking of authentic experiences, one of the biggest talking points of ATM this year is the trend of 'experiential travel' and 'authenticity'. While these can be seen as buzzwords, their essence is really important, says Paul Mulcahy, chief commercial officer of Mauritius hotel management company The Lux Collective. The brand perhaps epitomises this trend, and has two properties scheduled to open within the next few years in Sharjah. 'We genuinely try to bring the culture into the hotel,' Mulcahy explains. 'We put a lot of thought into making sure that when a visitor comes, they know where they are and they get a chance to really experience the location.' The company does this by incorporating local ingredients and cuisine, collaborating with nearby communities on architecture, artworks or experiences, and respecting the environment where each hotels is located. The Middle East is a travel destination that appeals to wealthier, younger audiences and those interested in adventure tourism and niche activities, according to the travel trends report. Authenticity is key, says Dave Goodger, from Oxford Tourism Economics, which worked with ATM on the report. A group of experts broke down the trend further at a panel discussion called The Power to Empower: Cultural Connectivity and Inclusion on day two of the ATM event. Deborah Thomson, cluster general manager of JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Terra Cabins, gave the example of an on-site coffee shop, based on a Hatta businessman's concept, which has become a popular local hangout. 'Hatta is quite a small place, with a population of 7,000, so it's important that we make the community feel part of our resort,' she said. Another example came from Blacklane, a global premium chauffeur service, which incorporates cultural elements into the car journey. In Saudi Arabia, this includes traditional fragrances, dates and coffee – things that connect travellers to the local environment. Again, this is a global trend, but one that has really taken hold in the region. Wellness tourism is set to jump from $830.2 billion in 2023 to over $1.3 trillion in 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute. The Middle East and North Africa has been cited as one of the fastest-growing regions for this trend. 'We call it passport to immortality,' said Fouad Talaat, regional manager for at another panel discussion at ATM. 'This is customers wanting to travel and experience longevity wellness resorts that offer cutting-edge technology like red light, cryotherapy and more to seek benefits beyond immediate relaxation. They want long-term benefits.' This is another trend The Lux Collective has tapped into. It is introducing wellness programmes that include a follow-up when you get home. 'The idea is, you come and you'll do something that you take away with you,' says Mulcahy. 'We've all been there -you try to be good for a period of time and then let it all go. We're trying to make it last that bit longer, make it a bit more sincere.' We couldn't talk trends without touching on AI. New technology is being embraced across the region's travel industry, not just by hotels or tour operators, but by travellers themselves. 'Would-be travellers to the Middle East are twice as likely as other travellers to use AI chatbots,' says Goodger. Around 60 per cent of those interested in visiting the Middle East have used AI at least once before for their travel planning, while 60 per cent of travellers from the UAE trusted AI to plan every aspect of their trip compared to 48 per cent of tourists elsewhere. 'The algorithm is the planner,' said Aleix Rodriguez Brunsoms, director of strategy at Skift Advisory, in a talk about trends shaping the region. 'Social feeds and AI are inspiring and booking travellers' next trips. They're no longer just sources of inspiration, but trip planning and booking platforms.' Eighty per cent of travellers consult social media before making a travel decision, and 60 per cent are comfortable booking directly via social media, according to Skift. 'Gen Z and millennials are using this before Google, and influencers have gone from passive content creators to active travel sellers,' said Brunsoms. 'Destination marketing in the region is not about flashy campaigns, but building thousands of micro moments that are then emphasised by AI and distributed by influencers.'
