In-store Booking Value Rises By 21% As Multi-destination Itineraries Gain Popularity In 2024, According To Dnata Travel

Dnata Travel reported a 21% increase in the average booking value for in-store services in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Walk-in services at the 13 retail outlets across the United Arab Emirates remain the most popular way for residents to book travel, driven by a rise in demand for more complex itineraries. Multi-location European trips, combining train and self-drive travel, were trendy this summer.

France, Italy, and Switzerland were frequently included in these packages, which featured multiple stops across one or several countries. Tailor-made itineraries in Asia also gained traction throughout the year, with bookings typically including various stops within a single country.

Top destinations across Thailand and Sri Lanka are especially sought after, with a notable spike in demand for Vietnam compared to previous years. Cruise itineraries providing multiple stops across different countries are also seeing steady growth, with dnata Travel anticipating even higher demand as the GCC cruise season approaches this winter. Meerah Ketait, head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented:

"Multi-destination itineraries are trending as travellers look to experience the best of a region of the country in one extended trip." "Many of our customers prefer to book these complex journeys in-store, where our travel experts can provide personalized advice on destinations, hotels, and the latest offers. We offer a one-stop solution where travellers can book everything from flights and hotels to car rentals, torus and insurance.

"One of the highest value in-store bookings in 2024 was a summer trip across France, taking in Paris and Cannes, then Monaco. Our travel experts arranged the flights, accommodation, private transport and guided tours, all with a fashion theme, in one sitting. This lavish itinerary featured some of our portfolio's finest destinations, experiences, and resorts." Looking ahead to the winter season, Dnata Travel experts continued to demand dimension trips, particularly for festive market tours. Cities like Budapest, Prague, and Vienna are some of the major German cities accessible by train.

In-store enquiries for Japan have also surged, with travellers looking to combine skiing on the island of Hokkaido with visits to famous cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. In-store bookings for ski holidays, which often require extra logistics, also increase demand each winter. Famous at Dnata Travel, Club Med's all-inclusive packages across some of the world's top winter sports destinations offer ski and lift passes for beginner instructors and mountain guides for experienced skiers.

Additionally, demand for Lapland trips is growing, with customers interested in itineraries that offer Northern Lights tours, stays in igloo hotels and scenic winter experiences for the ultimate holiday adventure. The most popular Dnata Travel retail stores for bookings in 2024 include Emirates Group Technology Centre Deira, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre and Mirdif City Centre, respectively, sitting just outside the top five in terms of booking volumes Dnata Travel Dubai Hills Mall is the brands biggest grown story thai year fast becoming one of the highest performing stores in terms of booking value. For more travel advice and inspiration, visit a Dnata Travel retail outlet with stores across the UAE. 


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