What are UAE Ticket Holders Doing? New Trends in the Tourism Market

Political tensions in the Middle East have begun to alter the holiday plans of Kazakhstanis. Although tours to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Persian Gulf countries remain on sale, citizens are increasingly turning their attention toward Southeast Asian destinations. This was reported by Rashida Shaikenova, Chairperson of the Kazakhstan Tourism Association (KTA).

According to the expert, there is a visible sense of caution in the tourism market. Travelers, wary of visiting countries located near the zone of military tension, are adopting a "wait-and-see" position.

"Currently, new bookings for Middle Eastern countries are almost non-existent. Even those who had purchased tickets in advance are suspending their bookings and searching for alternative options," said Rashida Shaikenova.

Due to the current situation, the focus of Kazakhstani tourists has shifted toward Southeast Asian nations. The most in-demand destinations now include:

• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Maldives
• Sri Lanka
• Indonesia (especially Bali)

The primary advantages of these countries are the availability of direct flights and visa-free regimes. Additionally, Turkey and Egypt are being considered as viable alternatives.

Despite the shift, Shaikenova notes that the UAE remains one of the leading destinations. Due to convenient logistics and established high-quality service, many tourists are simply waiting for the situation to stabilize. The final market trend will become clearer closer to the Nauryz holiday (late March).

"This situation has once again proven how fragile the tourism industry is. The sector depends not only on economic factors or natural disasters but is directly tied to political stability," concluded the KTA Chairperson.