DUBAI (Kashmir English): A sharp surge has been reported in holiday bookings from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the hmoe country for Eid ul Fitr, with airfares increasing by up to 20%.
UAE schools spring break holidays from March 18 coinciding with the Eid coming home is leading to surge in travelling to Pakistan according to travel experts in the UAE.
Eid likely on March 31
Eid is likely to fall on March 31 (Monday), while UAE schools begin their spring break on March 18, leading to a rise in inbound and outbound travel.
“We’ve observed a 30% rise in holiday bookings during the Eid and spring break period,” local media quoted Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com as having said.
Popular destinations include Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, Italy, Latvia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, South Africa, Kenya, Zanzibar, and CIS countries (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan).
The experts have also recorded a 25% increase in inbound travel as UAE residents invite family and friends for Eid celebrations.
Consequently, travel fares have risen by 15-20% compared to last month due to heightened demand and last-minute bookings.
To accommodate the rush, UAE-based, airlines have increased flights.
Eid, School Holidays together lead to airfare hike
Typically, fares rise during Eid or school holidays separately, but with both coinciding, the increase is even higher.
Meanwhile, business travel has slowed by 30% during Ramadan but expected to recover in the third week as the fasting period nears its end.
