Safety, solidarity driving women travel

Yamina Sofo, Director, Marketing & Sales Office, GNTO GCC
This summer, GCC women travellers are seeking destinations combining cultural richness, wellness, and personalised experiences: Germany is emerging as the top choice. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it offers an ideal environment for travellers to explore with confidence. From the historic charm of Berlin and Munich to the serene landscapes of the Black Forest, the country provides a backdrop for immersive journeys. Wellness tourism continues to gain traction, with travellers drawn to Baden-Baden or Wiesbaden, and their holistic retreats, which offer a blend of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Mary Thomas, Managing Director, Bin Moosa Travel Abu Dhabi
Women-only travel is taking centre stage, with holiday packages designed for comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion. Destinations such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, Srilanka, GCC nations and India are in high demand, offering everything from cherry blossoms and K-beauty experiences to vibrant markets, serene beaches, and heritage trails. Travellers seek curated experiences, wellness retreats, shopping getaways, etc., where safety and camaraderie come first. With interest in solo and group female travel, these journeys ensure relaxation and exploration.

Aga Pytlik, General Manager, PanWorld Travels
This summer, GCC travellers are likely to opt for longer stays in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Demand will shift toward private chalets, serviced hotel apartments, and countryside retreats that offer privacy and landscapes. The “home away from home” concept will define luxury travel, with women seeking personalised services, spacious accommodations, and immersive experiences.

Ashiya Nizar, CEO, Akbar Travel
Outbound travel from the GCC nations is driven by a mixture of luxury escapes, family-friendly destinations, and experiential travel. Europe remains the top pick, with demand increasing for Schengen destinations, such as Switzerland, France, and Italy. Adventure travel to Southeast Asia, pristine beaches in the Maldives and Mauritius, and cultural tourism in India among others are trending.

Varsha Pherwani, Travel Counsellor Associate, Travel Counsellors
I see strong demand for safari adventures this summer, with East Africa leading the way. The Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania during July–September is a major draw. The travellers are booking in the ‘shoulder months’ for a more intimate safari experience. South Africa remains a favourite for Big Five encounters, while Rwanda and Uganda attract adventurers for gorilla trekking.

Elmira Heshmati, Founder and CEO, Elaxiom
Although preferences can vary; there are consistent trends every year, getaways that offer adventure and relaxation, destinations that combine comfortable and unique experiences and milder climates in summer, which could be successful summer selling points. The popular destinations are selling well from the GCC. A shift has been noticed towards big cities in Europe, cruises, and summer experiences.

Jyoti Panchmatia, General Manager, Gulf Region, Travco
Stability in the ME could boost Israel and the USA markets fuelling growth in leisure, business travel, and conferences. Cruises are a major highlight, with ships such as MSC, Costa, and TUI extending seasons to 24 weeks. Short-stay cruises such as Celestial’s 2 and 3-night itineraries, cater to regional travellers. Eastern European and Korean tourists are drawn by cultural experiences.

Nada Mohamad, Marketing Manager, Cozmo Travel
GCC women travellers are looking for immersive and hassle-free experiences this summer. The Maldives, Thailand, and Zanzibar are in high demand, while Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, remain top and popular choices. Family-friendly resorts and cruise vacations are trending as the women travellers seek value-driven options. Solo travel is also gaining popularity among women.

Kathryn Wallington, Head, MEA, UK&IE, Central & Eastern EU, Travelport
Summer travel trends in the ME this year is centered on luxury getaways, cultural exploration, and eco-conscious tourism. Desert wellness retreats and spa resorts are gaining popularity as the travellers seek relaxation and rejuvenation. In travel retail, AI is playing a role in streamlining booking experiences and personalising recommendations. The fusion of technology ensures a seamless journey for travellers. As AI enhances customer interaction, the balance between automation and personalised service will redefine how women plan their trips.

Jenny Abdullah, Product Development Manager, Al Rais Travel
Predicting the summer travel preferences of UAE clients is challenging, as trends evolve daily. Based on the past travel patterns, we are focusing on South Africa, Australia, Russia, the UK, Poland, Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), France, Malaysia, Switzerland, and Munich (Germany). These locations appeal due to their diverse experiences. Post-Covid-19, there has been a noticeable surge in interest in global cruises along Mediterranean and Scandinavian routes. With travellers seeking relaxation demand for immersive travel experiences has increased.

Sapna Aidasani, Director PR and Marketing, Pluto Travel
The Northern Lights have captivated women travellers for years, but with the ongoing solar storm from last year, their visibility has increased, lasting for a longer period and spanning more months. As a result, Russia is promoting the Northern Lights experience. Another trend is cruising. It has surged in popularity over the past year, particularly in UAE. Cruises are becoming the go-to vacation for many due to their all-inclusive nature. Another trend is private celebrations, especially birthdays, where group travel with family takes centre stage.

Nisha Sadhwani, Outbound Sales Manager, Onelife Tourism
Travel trends for GCC women highlights a mix of cultural exploration, luxury retreats, and nature escapes. Popular destinations include France, Italy, and Switzerland which offer history and culture packages among other. The Maldives and Seychelles are top choices for beach lovers. For those preferring closer destinations, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan attract travellers with their history and proximity. Wellness retreats in Bali and Oman are gaining popularity, combining relaxation with rejuvenation, making them ideal for locals seeking escape and self-care.

Rakhi Purohit, Head, Representation Services dnata
This summer, travellers are seeking luxury escapes, all-inclusive family resorts, and immersive cultural experiences, leading to extended stays. Our DMC clients in Sri Lanka and resort partners in Mauritius and Zanzibar are offering packages and curated itineraries. Europe, especially Turkey, is trending with options from family vacations to premium golf holidays. Offbeat destinations such as Barbados and Colombia are gaining popularity, with bespoke offerings. Shopping is the key focus for GCC travellers seeking luxury retail experiences, especially in Paris.

Ipshita Sharma, Travel Tailor, SCN Travel & More
Lately, I have noticed more women in the UAE opting for budget airlines over luxury flights, choosing to splurge on wellness experiences instead. Rather than indulgent resorts, they are prioritising thermal spas in Georgia, Ayurvedic detox retreats in India or Sri Lanka, and hammam rituals in Morocco or Turkey. Travel is becoming less about lavish escapes and more about holistic well-being mentally as well as physically. It is inspiring to see people embracing trips that leave them truly refreshed and recharged.

Inputs by: TT Bureau