Wego reveals the top winter destinations for GCC travelers, with Cairo leading the way and European cities gaining popularity for festive getaways.
DUBAI, UAE – Wegothe travel app and online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), shares a list of top destinations GCC travelers are considering this winter.
As the year-end travel season approaches, GCC residents and expats are planning vacations or trips back home. According to Wego search data so far, Cairo is the most popular city for GCC travelers. Jeddah, Istanbul, Cochin, Bangkok, Lahore, London, Dubai and Kuwait round out the top ten most searched cities.
Winter Travel Information
Wego data suggests that much of the interest in top destinations comes from the large Egyptian and Indian expat populations in the GCC. Egyptian and Indian expats should take advantage of the end-of-year holidays to visit their home countries.
Wego's research highlights GCC travelers' growing interest in Europe as a preferred destination for festive end-of-year getaways. While London remains a preferred destination, thanks to ease of entry for GCC citizens who can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), other European cities are gaining popularity for their unique experiences and convenient accessibility.
Moscow, with its enchanting winter landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is an attractive choice for travelers looking for a magical winter atmosphere. Meanwhile, cities like Baku and Tbilisi have emerged as attractive options, offering a mix of modern amenities and rich history, all within a short distance of the GCC. Direct flights to these destinations typically last less than 4 hours, making them ideal for a quick, hassle-free getaway.
Additionally, cosmopolitan cities like Milan and Paris continue to attract travelers eager to enjoy world-class shopping, fine dining and festive celebrations. The charm of these cities during the winter season, from their holiday markets to cultural events, offers GCC travelers a sophisticated and festive retreat.
Rising travel costs
Wego also reports that airfares for the top 10 destinations are all more expensive this year, by 10.81% on average compared to the same period last year. The price of flights to Kuwait is the only exception, being 7.33% cheaper than last winter.
Travelers are advised to book as early as possible to avoid further price increases.
Theodore is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews' long-term opportunities.
