17 September 2009
Kulwant Singh, managing partner of Lama Desert Tours and Cruises, told Khaleej Times, “Even outbound travellers have gone down by 15 to 20 per cent this Ramadan.”
He added, “These travellers are families spending their holidays together, mostly expatriates. There is not much corporate travellers this time,” he said.
He attributed the A(H1N1) pandemic and the economic recession as the major factors for the decline.
Against this backdrop, Dubai hotels are on an all-out drive to capture the hearts of holiday goers, offering best hotel room deals coupled with several discounts on food, beverages and complimentary offers for children.
Dusit Thani Dubai is offering an Eid Festival package that includes a 20 per cent discount on all its dining venues, excluding alcoholic beverages, a complimentary late check-out until 6pm, a complimentary bottle of Bateel, and complimentary welcome consisting of dates and tea.
A spokesman of Dusit Thani Dubai said that families celebrating Eid can just relax in the luxurious comfort of hotel rooms and suites, sample the culinary delights of its restaurants, and enjoy the warmth of Thai hospitality in the heart of Dubai.
Dusit Thani Dubai’s Eid Festival package includes benefits valid from September 20 to 30.
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers has a special Eid room offer for visitors staying for three days but paying only for two days from September 17 to 27.
Two kids below 12 years old will get complimentary stay in their parents’ room and 50 per cent discount on food and beverage.
Janet Leow, public relations manager said they will have complimentary use of health club and pool facilities and late checkout until 4pm subject to room availability.
She said a 10 per cent discount on on food and beverage is offered to UAE residents, who are not staying in the hotel but celebrating their Eid there.
“They can also avail of a 20 per cent discount off for spa treatment during the period.”
Rotana chain of hotels have tailored packages focusing on the added value this Eid such as the recently launched offer at Media Rotana Dubai for Dh2,222, including three nights stay and ‘two kids stay free’, free breakfast for the family, free internet inside the room, free shuttle bus to major shopping centres and more.
Naeem Darkazally, area director of Sales and Marketing for Rotana Dubai and Northern Emirates, said, “Our approach is aggressive and very targeted. We are forecasting not less than 80 per cent occupancy this summer in our hotels in Dubai and Northen Emirates where Rotana has more than 3,500 rooms.”
He said domestic travel will play a major role in boosting the occupancies this Eid, and that he expects a strong presence from the GCC leisure travellers, hence, all marketing activities have been planned accordingly.
