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UAE hotels log 100% occupancy for Eid

Hotels across the UAE have reported a steady stream of holiday bookings since the beginning of Ramadan, with many operators noting that they are expecting to log in close to 100 per cent occupancy for the duration of the long Eid break.
"The fact that the long Eid holidays were announced well in advance has meant that sales at the hotels have picked up and we are striving towards 100 per cent occupancy for both our resorts," said Patrick Antaki, complex general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Fujairah and Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa.
"This year Eid Al-Fitr coincides with our summer promotions, valid from June 1 till September 30, launched by Marriott Bonvoy, offering 25 per cent off to registered members and 15 per cent discount to non-members, which promises guests good value for their money," he added. "This is also the time of the year when the UAE welcomes international tourists, so we are optimistic about our occupancy. Our team is well versed and knows what they need to do to delight our guests and will leave no stone unturned to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction."
Antaki's positive outlook is mirrored by Rohit Sharma, general manager at Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai, who noted that extended holiday periods are great for businesses. "Dubai is definitely an attractive destination during the Eid holidays, or any other holiday for that matter, with a host of leisure activities available for tourists, such as shopping at one of the many malls, lazing on the pristine beaches, or visiting the multiple tourist attractions. Eid holidays are generally at the beginning of the summer period; therefore a week's holiday is great for the general public and a brilliant opportunity for the hospitality sector as well."
Speaking about the hotel's occupancy, he revealed that the property was currently trending upwards of 75 per cent at the moment, and is expected to trade at over 90 per cent occupancy closer to the Eid date. "Our main guest demographic are Indians, both UAE residents and international travelers, followed by UAE nationals and travellers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
Sabine Renner, director of Sales and Marketing at Park Hyatt Dubai, also offered her thoughts on the increased footfall during the Eid break.
"We expect the hotel to be quite full during Eid with a lot of international guests traveling to Dubai, as well as residents who are looking for local staycations. Based on last year's figures, we anticipate more than 30 per cent of the guests in-house to be UAE residents. By offering competitive pricing with exceptional service, Park Hyatt Dubai is expected to experience higher than average occupancy during the summer. Eid Al-Fitr is usually a busy time for the hotel as we have experienced from previous years and based on the occupancy we have already. We are forecasting the demand for Park Hyatt Dubai to remain high and we are close to be full very soon," she said.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com