Alamy via Reuters
Throughout Ramadan, the question I am asked more frequently than any other is: “Where should we go for Eid this year?”
It’s an occupational hazard for anyone working in tourism, although hopefully, it leads to more interesting conversations around the Iftar table than doctor friends constantly being asked about ailments, or accountants discussing tax affairs.
So, what trends have we spotted for 2025, and where should you book if you want to stay ahead of the curve?
At Halalbooking, we have recently seen a massive increase in bookings to and from GCC countries.
Among our top destinations overall, Saudi Arabia has leapfrogged into second place behind Turkey, with growth of 150 percent year on year. Egypt has grown 108 percent, while other popular choices like the UAE and Qatar have retained their top-10 positions.
Meanwhile, for the first time ever, bookings from GCC countries made up more than 5 percent of our total sales in 2024 and are increasing fast.
Medina is becoming increasingly popular as a less crowded and more affordable alternative to Mecca
Saudi Arabia’s success is still riding on the coattails of its bold moves towards digitalisation of its visa system, which started in 2019. As pilgrims become more familiar with booking their own independent DIY Umrah arrangements online, the trend for Ramadan Umrah has reached a new high.
This year, we’ve noticed that more people than ever are extending their stay to make sure they experience the ultimate Eid celebration, attending Eid prayers in the Masjid al-Haram or the Masjid an-Nabawi.
While Medina in Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly popular as a less crowded and more affordable alternative to Mecca, bookings for other Saudi destinations remain limited.
Jeddah currently ranks third, but it still lags far behind. However, this is expected to change when Saudi Arabia develops new tourism hotspots such as the Red Sea Project, Neom, and Qiddiya. These destinations generated significant buzz at the recent ITB Berlin – the world’s largest travel trade show.
For those living in Europe, there’s always something extra special about the communal excitement of spending Eid in a Muslim country, seeing it reflected by those around us and experiencing it with all our senses.
I still remember the incredible sight of Eid prayers in Indonesia, when the entire local population, all dressed in traditional clothing, gathered in the village square to pray, creating a rippling sea of white.
We’re finding that many of our European guests seek similar experiences but also want to make the most of their time for family-friendly fun. Destinations such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer a balanced combination.
The Emirates have grown hugely in popularity, thanks partly to the effect of pester power. I experienced this recently when my holiday expertise was tested by my young daughters, who were keen to have their say and were pushing for a trip to the UAE based on their classmates’ tales of theme and water parks.
Qatar has been on the up, too, ever since the 2022 World Cup. Some of our customers are seeking it out as an alternative to Dubai, which some find too cosmopolitan for their tastes. They feel Qatar is less busy and offers a traditionally Islamic environment.
Turkey has traditionally been an Eid getaway destination. This year – despite turmoil in Istanbul and other Turkish cities – resorts in Alanya which cater to halal-friendly travellers have had to adapt to maintain their appeal as Eid has shifted further into spring. To meet demand, many resorts are opening ahead of the traditional summer season in May – some even committing to heating outdoor pools specifically for Eid al-Fitr guests.
Travellers who feel the weather in Turkey in late March may not be suitable for swimming and sunbathing are instead heading to Egypt. We’ve had some uptick in bookings to Red Sea resorts.
For the last couple of years, those of us living in Europe have been fortunate that school holidays coincided with Islamic festivals. This year, when this is no longer the case, we’re seeing an increase in short breaks over Eid, with Istanbul ticking many boxes and European cities such as Cologne and Madrid getting a look-in.
Wherever you decide to spend it, I wish you and your family a peaceful and blessed Eid.
Ufuk Seçgin is chief marketing officer at Halalbooking, a global app and website for Muslim travellers founded in the UK
