Citizens, residents, and travel agencies have highlighted several factors that determine travel destinations during the summer period, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They pointed out to "Emirates Today" that factors include the number of COVID-19 infections at travel destinations, easing of travel restrictions, vaccination status of travelers, recognition of the vaccine by the destination, cancellation of quarantine upon arrival at the destination and upon returning to their country of residence (green countries for residents of Abu Dhabi, who are exempt from quarantine upon arrival in the city), as well as the vaccination rate of the destination's population. They noted that ticket prices are also influential in determining travel destinations, given that many travelers have been affected by the pandemic's repercussions, such as salary reductions and loss of benefits.
### Specific Factors
Elaborating on this, citizen Saeed Eid Abdullah mentioned that he is currently weighing several European destinations for traveling with his family during the summer vacation. He confirmed to "Emirates Today" that the absence of quarantine and the decrease in COVID-19 infections are major factors in selecting his intended travel destination. Meanwhile, resident Jawad Hashem stated that he intends to travel to his home country but is waiting to confirm the low infection rates and significant progress in vaccination efforts there, in addition to the absence of quarantine upon arrival.
Citizen Wajdi Mahmoud indicated that his summer holiday destination is determined based on compliance with preventive measures and the vaccination requirement, especially since some family members have received only the first vaccine dose and are awaiting the second. Resident Reema Hassan pointed out that ticket prices are a primary factor in determining her summer holiday destination with her family, in addition to the low infection rates and the absence of quarantine upon arrival.
### Quarantine Considerations
Additionally, Akram Sharaf, the general manager of Al Masood Travel and Tourism Agency, stated that there are five main factors determining travel destinations for the upcoming summer, noting that three of them relate to the COVID-19 vaccine. He explained that "the most important of these factors is the easing of travel restrictions and cancellation of quarantine, as destinations with no quarantine upon arrival will be prioritized by travelers." Sharaf noted that the requirement of many countries for travelers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the recognition of the type of vaccine received by travelers by the destination country are also significant in determining travel destinations. He pointed out that there had been instances where some countries did not recognize certain vaccines despite their approval by the World Health Organization, which makes those destinations somewhat inaccessible to some travelers. He added that “travelers also prefer destinations where there's a commitment to vaccinating the local population, with high vaccination rates.”
Sharaf also mentioned that ticket prices significantly influence travel destination choices, particularly since many travelers have been impacted by the pandemic's aftermath, such as salary cuts and loss of benefits. He highlighted that some destinations saw noticeable demand during the last spring break due to airlines, especially low-cost airlines, offering discounted fares.
### Infection Rates
On his part, Hussein Attaallah, the general manager of Bin Saleh Travel Company, observed that there are two main factors determining a traveler's destination during the summer. The first is the quarantine requirement upon arrival, as many travelers prefer not to go to destinations that mandate quarantine, which is time-consuming and may limit their vacation enjoyment. The second factor is the infection rate in the intended travel destination, with travelers favoring countries with low infection rates over a sustained period.
Attaallah noted that a significant number of citizen and resident families have not traveled for over 15 months, and there is a desire, particularly among residents, to visit their home countries and reunite with their families, which bodes well for a busy summer season. He added that Abu Dhabi's announcement to end quarantine requirements upon return from travel encourages many citizens and residents to consider travel in the coming months.
### Green Countries
In a related context, Omar Al Ali, the CEO of Projects and Development at Nirvana Travel and Tourism Company, outlined the influencing factors in the decision to travel and select summer vacation destinations. He explained that the existence or absence of quarantine upon arrival at the travel destination or upon returning to the UAE is a crucial factor in the travel decision, agreeing with his peers that residents prefer traveling to countries that do not require quarantine upon arrival, as well as countries classified as green by Abu Dhabi, which do not require quarantine upon return for city residents. He added that the infection rate at the travel destination is another primary factor, as travelers do not prefer countries with high infection rates.
He emphasized that destinations strictly adhering to precautionary measures to combat the pandemic give travelers reassurance regarding their health and that of their families. He noted that ticket prices remain an important factor in destination selection, with travelers preferring destinations that offer a variety of pricing options and discounted fares.
### Tourism and Vaccination
Tourism expert Saeed Ali Al Hamadi stated that "options are generally dwindling for the unvaccinated, especially those wishing to travel to European destinations this summer." He clarified that "many European countries are beginning to reopen for tourism again, but with vaccination requirements and proof of vaccination." He added that "travelers also prefer to visit destinations where there is a high rate of vaccination among the population, providing them with a greater sense of safety and freedom to move, even if the destination does not require the incoming travelers to be vaccinated."
Al Hamadi pointed out that certain aspects remain unclear in some countries, such as infection numbers, with travelers preferring regular declines in cases. He anticipated that there would be last-minute bookings as travelers wait for clarity on the situation in some Arab and European countries. He also mentioned that some residents with restrictions like quarantine and rising infections in their home countries have decided to postpone their travel until conditions improve.
