Long Eid break boosts demand for family staycations

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Long Eid break boosts demand for family staycations

Dubai - The majority of bookings have been from UAE nationals and expats looking to make the most of the long Eid break.

by

Rohma Sadaqat

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Published: Mon 3 Jun 2019, 6:26 PM

Last updated: Mon 3 Jun 2019, 7:03 PM

The announcement of a long Eid break has meant that residents across the UAE have had time to plan and book a staycation that caters to the needs of their whole family, hospitality experts have said.
Hotel operators noted that their focus in the month leading up to the holiday has been on curating packages that are packed with family friendly activities as the majority of bookings have been from UAE nationals and expats looking to make the most of the long Eid break.
"Eid is a period where families get together and, given that the holiday is long, we have created extremely attractive packages for our regular and loyal guests, and this is positively impacting on the overall business," said Ammar Kanaan, group general manager of Central Hotels. "A lot of residents are no doubt going to take advantage of the Eid break to enjoy a mini staycation with the family. It is going to be a long weekend for Eid Al Fitr and a staycation is the best way to unwind with your family without travelling too far. We are expecting a high occupancy at all our hotels namely. Whether you are seeking the sun, sea and beach or a fun-filled holiday in close proximity to exciting shopping and entertainment hotspots, our exceptional properties are ideally located in Dubai to provide the ultimate staycation experience."
Iftikhar Hamdani, cluster general manager at Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman and Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman, revealed that the group is currently enjoying occupancy levels of around 95 per cent across its three properties.
"Our guests are a mix of international guests and UAE residents who opted for a staycation for the Eid holiday instead of travelling. The staycations account for up to 70 per cent of the total bookings during the long Eid break. In terms of preparation for the holidays, we had an average occupancy of 80 per cent during Ramadan. We will definitely have more guests during the long Eid holiday, but then again, we have always been ready to handle busy operations, both for the rooms and restaurants," he said.
Similarly, Werner Anzinger, general manager of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, identified a robust demand from UAE nationals and residents looking to escape the fast-paced city life. To further complement the interest and "entice the non-travellers", he said that the hotel is offering a special UAE Resident Rate for visitors to experience the beachfront retreat.
Marc De Beer, general manager at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas Abu Dhabi, also highlighted the importance of ensuring that holiday packages accommodate everyone in the family. "Around 85 per cent of our rooms are already booked for the long Eid weekend, we are also hosting an Eid Brunch across two of the resort's dining destinations. Our guests can expect an expanded edition of the resort's renowned market inspired brunch experience, with a dedicated large outdoor kids area. At the moment, we can see a really strong increase in interest among Emiratis and residents booking a staycation, which is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle in the UAE. For this long weekend, our aim is to accommodate the whole family, from kids activities to fun and exciting dining experiences. We see a high demand especially because of the long holiday weekend."
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com


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