Hotels to cash in on Eid rush

Hotels across the UAE anticipate sharp increase in occupancy rates as residents and GCC nationals flock to the emirate to celebrate long weekend on the eve of Eid Al Adha. Senior executives from hospitality industry in Abu Dhabi and Dubai said hotels will see up to 90 per cent to 100 per cent occupancy rates this week as residents and tourists from neighbouring GCC plan to spend their Eid holidays in the region's most sought-after leisure and entertainment destinations.
"Dubai is ranked as a most preferred holiday destinations among all others in GCC due to its unparalleled attractions for leisure, shopping and entertainment. It will benefit the hospitality industry to lift the occupancy levels this week ahead of starting a very busy and hectic season," executives say.
Moussa El Hayek, chief operating officer at Al Bustan Centre and Residence, said Dubai is a preferred destination during special occasions such as Eid Al Adha because of its prime location and a lot of offered attractions that suits family interests. "Dubai has various great attractions for visitors across the globe and we look forward to having a 90 per cent and above occupancy on this Eid Al Adha. Last year, we saw a good occupancy [75 per cent] at this time of the year," El Hayek told Khaleej Times.
He said his property serves guests mostly from GCC countries namely Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait in addition to UAE nationals and residents.
About occupancy during first half this year, he said his property initiated the year with good occupancy. "This year we had achieved approximately 85 per cent average occupancy as compared to 70 per cent in the same period last year," he said. Habib Khan, general manager, Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa, said booking trend indicates that his property will again achieve 100 per cent occupancy during Eid holidays this week.
"Our occupancy during last year Eid was 100 per cent and we are expecting the same this week as the current booking trends reflect that property will remain fully occupied during the long weekend," Khan told Khaleej Times. To a question, he said his property received bookings from GCC, Europe, subcontinent and residents from other emirates of the UAE. "We have witnessed an increase in staycationers from different emirates of UAE, India, Pakistan and GCC," he said.
 
Preferred holiday destination
Kamal Zayati, general manager, Al Raha Beach Hotel, echoed the similar views and said occupancy levels will be increased almost 100 per cent during Eid holidays. "We are presently doing 45 per cent and are expecting to be around 85 per cent during this Eid as most of the business picks up last minute. Last year we were at 50 per cent at the same time," he said, adding that most of the hotel guests are residents and GCC nations who prefer to spend time in Abu Dhabi and Dubai during a long weekend.
"Yes, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are most preferred holiday destination as it's easier for people to travel from GCC and UAE offers great hotel packages and shopping options along with a lot of family entertainment." Khaled Sharabassy, general manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel, said Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considered a preferred leisure destination because of their unique location, good value of money, great deals and luxury and this help the hospitality industry to register higher occupancy levels on Eid and other special occasions over the weekends.
 "We can't give an exact occupancy percentage for Eid because it keeps on changing regularly, but we are anticipating 90 per cent occupancy during the week of Eid," Sharabassy told Khaleej Times. He said most of the guests are UAE nationals, residents and expats from Europe and India.
Mohammed Khoori, general manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, said most of the hotel guests are from GCC countries and they visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi for shopping and leisure tours. He said occupancy levels at his property remained in stable range and reach up to 88 per cent during Eid. To a question, he said occupancy rates in first half of 2016 remained stable at 70-87 per cent in different room categories compared to 75-91 per cent in the same period last year.
 
Online booking
Senior executives from hospitality industry say online hotel booking is gaining popularity as most of the hotel guests prefer to book their hotel rooms through online and travel agents. "Online booking and reservation are very important for us as it contributes up to 75 per cent of our business," Khoori of Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, said.
Kamal Zayati of Al Raha Beach Hotel expressed the similar views and said online booking has become an integral part of the business. "Online booking contributes up to 70 per cent of our business while the remaining 30 per cent comes from tour operators," he said. Habib Khan of Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa said online played very important role in business today. "There is a noticeable increase of reservations from hotel website while online travel agents contribute over 40 per cent of overall occupancy followed by tour operator 25-30 per cent," he said.
 - muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com