Eid Al Fitr 2023: UAE travellers pick UK, Europe travel despite visa delays, sky-high fares; short-haul destinations remain popular

Eid Al Fitr 2023: UAE travellers pick UK, Europe travel despite visa delays, sky-high fares; short-haul destinations remain popular

Dubai: Short-haul, budget destinations remain the top choice for UAE residents planning a quick getaway during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, and destinations that offer cheaper airfares and are only three hours away remain the top choice for most holiday seekers. That said, travel agents also report an uptick in holiday demand to European destinations such as the UK for the upcoming Easter and Eid break. And this is despite the challenges of getting a Schengen visa in time for the holidays, and sky-high airfares. Despite fewer visa appointments and non-stop economy airfares for travel from April 21 to 28, starting at Dh3,335 (Dubai-UK via British Airways) and going up to Dh4,595 (Dubai to Lisbon on Emirates), UAE and Gulf travellers are going all out to ensure they spend their holidays abroad this Eid. Ahmed M Soliman, CEO of TCA Group of Companies, said: “Travellers who have taken their Schengen visas well in advance re choosing destinations such as Italy, France, and the UK.” He said: “There are a lot of promotions to Central London now, for example. The iconic Regent Street in West London has been decked up for Ramadan for the first time. There is a greater