UAE Holidaymakers to spend more and go away for longer this summer than pre-Covid to make up for lack of travel over past two years

• Just 4 in 10 people from the UAE have been abroad since the start of the pandemic, leading to a rush to get away this summer
• A huge 98% of those going away this summer will spend more than usual (vs pre-pandemic) on their holidays - on average by nearly AED12,000 per person

29 March 2022 – Travellers from the UAE are planning to go away for longer and spend more than usual on their summer holidays this year to make up for a lack of breaks abroad over the past two years.

The new data, released today by Marriott Bonvoy, the travel loyalty programme, shows that amongst the 85% of people from UAE who already know they will be heading abroad this summer (June-September), 98% say they will be spending more than they usually would - on average by AED11,832 per person. This is compared to their typical spend on summer holidays pre-Covid.

This increase in spend is being spearheaded by older holidaymakers aged over 65, who plan to spend an average of AED25,416 more than they usually would - more than any other age group. Meanwhile those aged 45-54 are most likely to be going on holiday (92%).

Return of the longer holiday

It’s not just more money travellers plan to spend on their summer holidays this year - they also plan to spend more time away than usual. Amongst those heading abroad, nearly three-quarters (73%) say they plan to go away for longer than normal, rising to 83% of older travellers aged over 65.

Many travellers have not been on a long break in quite some time. In fact, 43% have not been on a holiday of two weeks or longer in three years or more.

But that looks set to change this year, with 62% of those going away planning to do at least one holiday of a fortnight or more. Figures from Marriott Bonvoy’s own data strongly back-up this trend, showing that in Europe and the Middle East, the proportion of holidaymakers booking longer 8-14 day stays for this summer is double the 2019 figure.

Meanwhile, many will be looking forward to multiple holidays this summer. Two-thirds (66%) say they will be going away on more holidays than usual between June and September this year - again rising to 78% for adults aged 55-64.

First break in three years for many

The increase in spend and time away is a direct result of the pandemic, with many making up for a lack of breaks in the past couple of years. In fact, just 39% of people in the UAE say they have been on holiday abroad since the pandemic started. Meanwhile, 25% have not been abroad since summer 2019 - almost three years ago by this summer.

As such, over a third (37%) say they are determined to go away this summer, with 29% saying they felt holidays abroad were simply too risky during the past two years.

Relaxation and ease the priority

Likely a result of the pandemic, holidaymakers are seeking relaxing, stress-free breaks this summer. Over a quarter (28%) say their priority for their summer holiday is that it is ‘as relaxing as possible’ whilst 37% say they are looking for a ‘hassle-free break with everything we need in the resort’. Meanwhile, 25% are using this summer for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list holiday, possibly contributing to the overall increase in spending, especially amongst older travelers.

UAE’s top summer destinations

Marriott Bonvoy’s own data is able to reveal where those from the UAE will be most likely to head for their extended breaks this summer. It shows that traditionally popular destinations UK and Italy will be the top summer destinations of choice for travellers.

“Our customers are prioritising hassle-free breaks where they can relax and be looked after this year. I would encourage anyone who is looking to get away this summer who has not yet booked, to consider doing so soon, so they can look forward to a much-needed summer break whether at home or abroad.”

The research is taken from Marriott Bonvoy’s Joy of Travel report, conducted amongst 14,000 consumers in Europe and the Middle East. Marriott Bonvoy is encouraging travellers to remember the joy, re-connection and appreciation of the world that travel brings – whether they want to explore new destinations or return to old favourites.

*Research conducted amongst 2,000 UAE adults between 23 Feb and 11 March 2022. Nationally representative.

The figures are from new research from Marriott Bonvoy, the all-encompassing travel programme where members earn and redeem points seamlessly around the world at nearly 8,000 hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and home rentals through Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagra