After the Eid vacations were announced on Monday, there has been a sharp increase in demand for hotels and short-term rentals around the UAE.
The notification states that depending on when the moon is spotted for Eid Al Fitr, residents would have either a six-day or a nine-day respite.
"As of midweek, our resort was already seeing high occupancy,"
Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort General Manager Ramsey Saarany stated. But as soon as the public holiday was declared, we noticed an increase in reservations for earlier days. Consequently, reservations for the entire week seem to be solid at this point. We have extraordinarily high occupancy rates, with most days projected to be fully booked.
For UAE citizens, this Eid break will be the longest public holiday of the year, which has resulted in a roughly 400% increase in airfare to some destinations. Additionally, short-term rentals have experienced a growth in business.
Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme vacation homes, stated,
"This year the Eid break is longer and with the last-minute bookings rush we are expecting a huge surge with an anticipated 30 percent increase in business as compared to last year."
"Rates vary depending on the size and location of the facility, but with the current rise, hotel rates start at about Dh10,000 per night. We are projecting an occupancy rate of an astounding 80%, double the numbers from the previous year.
'Significant increase' in demand
Exceptionally high occupancy rates are also being reported by other hotels across the nation. Eighty to ninety percent of the rooms at the Banyan Tree Dubai in Bluewaters are reserved, according to the hotel.
"We've noticed a notable surge in reservations, particularly from the UAE & KSA markets,"
stated Bassem Saudy, the hotel's Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing.
"Many guests are taking advantage of our Eid Staycation offer, which includes a 20% discount on the best available room rate, daily breakfast, and a 20% off on both dining and spa experiences."
Many of the hotels get visitors from all around the world.
"The Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton has seen an increase in demand for Eid, primarily from GCC countries, Turkey, and various parts of Europe,"
stated Mouna Kessous, Cluster Marketing Manager.
"We have occupancy rates significantly higher than 90%."
Not simply lodging establishments are seeing an increase in demand. Buses and rental cars are also selling out quickly. The founder and CEO of Selfdrive Mobility, Soham Shah, stated,
"We anticipate a surge of up to 10% in daily or weekly bookings due to an increase in demand for transportation services."
"We anticipate a preference for spacious and comfortable vehicles, particularly full-sized and compact SUVs, given the familial nature of Eid celebrations."
Families traveling together can comfortably fit in these cars.
Popular packages
Hotels in the UAE are charging hefty rates, but their clients aren't cutting corners on their vacations. According to Ramsey, demand for the hotel's upscale villa packages is rising. He declared,
"Our pool villas offer breathtaking views and privacy."
In addition, visitors can take advantage of unique experiences like a custom BBQ prepared by their personal chef. Bookings for larger rooms and villas have increased, which we attribute to groups and extended families looking for roomy lodging during their visit.
Also highly popular are all-inclusive packages at the Banyan Tree. Couples and families alike are choosing packages that include lodging, food and drink, and spa services, according to Bassem.
"People prefer a luxurious break with personalized service and everything conveniently available."
Downtown, Dubai Marina, and JBR are the most sought-after areas in Dubai for short-term rentals, according to Mahtani.
News Source: Khaleej Times
