UAE hotels ready for workation trend

Dubai - Many companies are looking at sources of savings, and business travel expenses is one area where many global players have decided to realise some of these savings

Hotels across the UAE are looking to capitalise on new trends that have emerged as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the business travel segment, hospitality experts said.

One such trend that has grown in popularity since the start of the pandemic is the workation segment, a concept which is loosely defined as a vacation that combines leisure with full-time working.

“Covid-19 has completely disrupted traditional office culture and the hospitality sector has been quick to offer alternative solutions for those looking to combine working from home with leisure time. The introduction of the workation concept is not just a novel idea, it’s about making adjustments to meet the new market demands, allowing those who are not currently working from their office to enjoy a luxury hospitality experience whilst continuing their work commitments,” said Mark Kirby, COO of Emaar Hospitality.

Tim Cordon, area senior vice president for the Middle East & Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, noted that even before major cities across the globe instituted lockdowns early last year, many companies started telling their employees to work from home. And while many people relished in the sudden freedom of making their own schedule and not having to commute, others lost the ability to focus on productivity amid the countless distractions of home.

“Especially young families, and those with children had to adapt, because conducting video conferences and calls while a toddler is running around singing and just generally being a normal two-year-old, can be emotionally draining,” he said.

rohma@khaleejtimes.com