UAE: Indian expats eye international summer holiday destinations

A majority of Indian expatriates in the UAE may not travel to India for the summer holidays this year over fears of getting stranded back home, travel agents have said.

The months from June to August are usually peak travel times for Indian expatriates, as they coincide with school summer holidays.

However, uncertainty over the ongoing suspension on incoming passengers from India is the primary reason for the low demand, said Indian residents and travel agents.

Raheesh Babu, the group COO of Musafir.com, an internet-based travel agency said, “If you compare the demand to previous years, there is very little demand for travel to India. People are unsure if the flights would resume normalcy and if they book tickets and are unable to travel, they will lose money. Many also fear getting stuck in India if they travel right now.”

“Instead, Indian families are opting for destinations such as Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Albania, and Montenegro for example. Travel to these countries is hassle- free,” he said.

Babu said for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays, 85 per cent of the inventory to these destinations are already sold out.

“It is a very positive sign. The demand is predominantly from Indian travellers as well. Instead of travelling back home, they are planning trips to these destinations for the summer holidays.”

Babu also said thousands of Indian visit visa holders who are in the UAE are opting to renew their visa status internally.