Ready, Set, Summer! Agoda.com Reveals Top Holiday Destinations For UAE Travelers

With the summer holidays fast approaching, Agoda, one of the world’s fastest growing digital travel platforms, reveals London, Bali, Tokyo, Rome and Paris are the top destination spots for UAE travelers in 2019.

Travelers from the Middle East, North America and Europe are crossing continents for their summer break. The fashion capitals of Europe, London and Paris are the top cities enticing Middle East travelers this year, while Rome, with its history and Italian chic, takes the third spot. Asian destinations are also inching up the list for Middle Eastern travelers, with Bali, and Tokyo joining Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in this year’s top 10.

Where are UAE holidaymakers heading in the summer of 2019?

  • Japan is the top country to visit for UAE travelers this summer, with Tokyo also ranking 3rd  on the list of their top 10 cities according to Agoda.com.
  • Shopping and fashion capitals feature prominently on the list of top destinations for UAE travelers, with Rome (2), Tokyo (3), Paris (4), Dubai (6), London (8) and New York (9) all making the cut.
  • Many UAE holidaymakers are also heading out to Bali (1) Singapore (5), Venice (7), and Bangkok (10).
  • UAE’s Dubai also features as a top 10 destination for travelers from Saudi Arabia, coming in second.

Looking at Agoda’s global travel data, Japan dominates Asia Pacific travelers’ summer plans scooping six out of the top ten destinations this summer.  Firm favorites Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa Main Island, Kyoto, are joined this year by Sapporo and Fukuoka, knocking Singapore and Hong Kong out of the top 10 list.

Tokyo’s appeal as a hot destination isn’t limited to travelers from Asia, it sits in the top ten for travelers across all regions, with Agoda’s booking data showing Tokyo jump to second spot for US travelers and fifth for Europeans this year.

Top Summer Destinations by Origin

  Asia Pacific   Middle East   North America   Europe
  No 2018 2019   No 2018 2019   No 2018 2019   No 2018 2019
  1. Tokyo Tokyo   1. Dubai London   1. Las Vegas Las Vegas   1. London London
  2. Bangkok Okinawa Main Island   2. Abu Dhabi Paris   2. New York Tokyo   2. Paris Bali
  3. Osaka Osaka   3. Manama Rome   3. Los Angeles New York   3. Rome Bangkok
  4. Okinawa Main Island Bangkok   4. Mecca Bali   4. San Francisco Los Angeles   4. Barcelona Berlin
  5. Bali Sapporo   5. Riyadh New York   5. Oahu London   5. Amsterdam Tokyo
  6. Seoul Bali   6. Bangkok Dubai   6. Orlando Orlando   6. Venice New York
  7. Taipei Kyoto   7. Jeddah Bangkok   7. Chicago Chicago   7. Berlin Las Vegas
  8. Kyoto Fukuoka   8. Istanbul Kuala Lumpur   8. Boston Paris   8. Milan Paris
  9. Singapore Seoul   9. Kuala Lumpur Amsterdam   9. Seattle Seattle   9. Moscow Pattaya
  10. Hong Kong Taipei   10. London Tokyo   10. Toronto Rome   10. Munich Rome

Travel inspiration

From exploring the great outdoors to discovering historical gems, Agoda shares some travel inspiration this summer for a range of travelers:

  1. For the cosmopolitan adventurer – London, United Kingdom

Whether you are traveling solo or part of a group, a London summer day is hard to beat. Packed with activities for every type of traveler, London is an eclectic mix of culture, shopping, and history. Head out for a taste of London’s nightlife, catch a show on West End or simply explore the city’s markets, parks and historical landmarks. The warm days in June mark the start of the city’s music festival season too – a perfect place to meet like-minded friends. London also makes an excellent base for day trips to the English countryside.

For more travel inspiration and hand-picked recommendations for activities, tours and things to do in and around London, check out Things to Do on the Agoda app.

  1. For those traveling for history, fashion or art – Paris, France

The Capital of Fashion – also known as the City of Love – is rich in history, art and culture. It offers visitors an abundance of landmarks and museums to visit. These include the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre, the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, at the top of luxury shopping avenue Champs Elysees.

For musical show lovers, head to Moulin Rouge and watch a troupe of 60 artists perform the famous ‘Féerie’ show. The show is bookable via the Things To Do on the Agoda app but make sure to book early, as it usually sells out months in advance.

  1. A perfect spot to bring the whole family – Bali, Indonesia
    For families looking for an adventure Bali has it covered – from mountains, beaches, shopping and spas to first class cuisine. In fact, there is no better way to discover Bali than through its rich street food culture. Influenced by Indonesian, Chinese and Indian culinary traditions, Balinese food features a range of spices, seafood and fresh produce. Stroll down Batu Bolong Streetin Canggu, a two kilometer stretch packed with eateries, cafes and shops where you can find something to satisfy every craving. Alternatively, head to Sindhu Night Market, a fantastic option for families who want to try a wide range of local food at local prices.

For families planning a special summer stay, check out the Agoda Homes available on Agoda. These properties allow families to have a whole villa or apartment to themselves with added facilities and amenities not usually found in hotels.

  1. For those traveling with young ones – Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is an ideal destination for those traveling with little ones. Take a relaxing day trip to the Nikko National Park, known for its stunning beauty amid natural surroundings. Nikko has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries. Children can enjoy playing in the park while parents enjoy the breathtaking views.

A fun day out for both parents and children is a trip to Akhibara, a popular area for Otaku and known to be the ultimate place for anime and consumer electronics.

To build a perfect customized itinerary for Tokyo, check out Agoda’s Tokyo Travel Guide.