British Airways launches special fares

34 per cent of UAE residents travelled long-haul only once over a period of twelve months.

Dubai — British Airways has announced the launch of special fares to the UK, Europe, USA, and Canada for travellers who have made it their new year’s resolution to travel more frequently.

The announcement comes after a recent survey commissioned by British Airways revealed that 34 per cent of UAE residents travelled long-haul only once over a period of twelve months. The results of the survey also revealed that 53 per cent of UAE residents indicated that a surprise trip abroad would be the best gift they could receive.

“We want to encourage people to experience new destinations first hand and start the new year on the go,” said Paolo De Renzis, British Airways’ area commercial manager for the Middle East and Central Asia. “The geographical position of the Middle East, intersecting between Europe, Asia and Africa, offers unparalleled opportunities to travel frequently to different continents.”

In addition, the survey also found that 75 per cent of UAE residents book their flights online with the majority of passengers from the region booking directly through airline websites. Across the GCC, one in six travellers has made the switch from a physical to a digital boarding pass.

For travel enthusiasts deciding where to fly, British Airways has created a list of top destinations to visit in 2015. The list includes a few far flung locations that are a favourite with travellers from the UAE. London is the perfect transfer hub for travellers from the UAE.

• rohma@khaleejtimes.com