Are Staycations a Sine Qua Non for UAE Residents?
Are Staycations a Sine Qua Non for UAE Residents? InBusiness.ae I By Jenny Kassis With a growing number of expats coming to the UAE every year, the country has become home to over 200 nationalities. Most of the emigrants flock to the Emirates for work purposes, but, at the same time, they show a significant interest in leisure, recreation, and adventures. The busy schedule of people residing in the UAE and the costly travel expenses make it hard for them to go frequently on vacation. However, taking a breathing spell is vital from time to time. With oodles of relaxation and fun options in the country, UAE residents don’t need to look further. Nowadays, staycations are a trending alternative to traditional vacations. They have spawned the interest of families, couples and individuals alike. “Staycations are continuously increasing as people are time restricted with the fast pace of business in the region. Shorter breaks to spend quality time with family or couples to have a quick urban escape is always in demand,” said James Reeves, General Manager, Desert Palm Dubai. Many people from different nationalities struggle to get instant visas when visiting certain countries, especially when they make last-minute plans. Therefore, their choice falls on a staycation, which is the best option to dodge the hassle and enjoy a jaunt in the country. Talking about the increased numbers of UAE visitors to their luxurious resort, which is only 20 minutes away from Dubai’s urban heart, James said, “There has been a strong increase of up to 62% year-on-year in the number of our guests from within the UAE with more people looking for a locally based escape which isn’t too far from the city.” The climate and landscape differ in each part of the UAE, making it more appealing to residents to explore the beauty and uniqueness of every Emirate.
Marianne Youssef, Operations Manager, Axir Tourism, affirmed that staycations in the UAE are on the rise. “Local hotels have so many things to offer to the local community with the amazing discounts and offers they promote all year round.” Moreover, excursions and weekends getaways in the UAE continue to gain momentum year after year. “Offering umpteen attractions and activities for all ages, Dubai remains the top destination for UAE residents followed by Ras al Khaimah and the ‘Arbian Jewel’, Fujairah. The two emirates are the destinations of choice for beach lovers and relaxation seekers. In addition, Fujairah is bountiful with beautiful beaches and sceneries but has also a cultural identity that not many are aware of; the emirate is home to ancient forts and old mosques,” Marianne added. Manu Koshy, Director of Business Development, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah confirmed that the number of hotel guests from UAE has increased as RAK continues to evolve as a staycation destination for weekends and long holidays. “The UAE is the larger feeder market for the hotel, which recently won the ‘Favourite Middle East Hotel/Resort for Families’ at the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2017. We expect staycation business to continue to grow as RAK as a destination is becoming popular within the GCC and internationally. The emirate is also now home to the world’s largest zipline, which we expect to bring more traction to the area. There is a demand for guests that seek a luxury experience and we offer unforgettable moments. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is in an extraordinary location, cradled by the crimson Hajar Mountains and vast expanses of desert, so adventure is literally on the doorstep.” These ‘nearby escapes’ are nothing but a complete glee that gives excursionists the opportunity to explore the attractions around them and indulge in fun activities, beachfront pools, relaxing spas, and sumptuous cuisines. “We are pleased to continuously welcome guests living in the UAE to Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai,” said Hakan Ozel, General Manager at Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. “We have seen a steady influx of UAE guests staying for both business and leisure trips. In the recent months, we have launched a package to specifically welcome UAE guests looking for a staycation.
This package is available during the weekend and includes brunch at the restaurant of your choice, AED 500 in dining credit and two massages at CHI, The Spa.” When selecting a destination for their staycations, many guests’ decisions are influenced by the hotel’s facilities and services, as they look for comfort and flexible options. “When you have benefits that assist a locally based stay such as advantages with restaurant and spa discounts, or priority late check-out and early check-in, this is always appreciated for a value-added stay,” James said. From his side, Hakan foresees a promising year for staycations in the UAE. “We expect the staycation bookings to continue to grow in 2018 based on the availability of dedicated packages and the increased demand to ‘get away’ without leaving the UAE.” Not only are staycations a reasonable and comfortable way to unwind and escape the daily routine, but also a great contributor that boosts the local economy and promotes it as a tourist destination for outsiders. And, undoubtedly, this type of getaways is set for further growth in the UAE.
Marianne Youssef, Operations Manager, Axir Tourism, affirmed that staycations in the UAE are on the rise. “Local hotels have so many things to offer to the local community with the amazing discounts and offers they promote all year round.” Moreover, excursions and weekends getaways in the UAE continue to gain momentum year after year. “Offering umpteen attractions and activities for all ages, Dubai remains the top destination for UAE residents followed by Ras al Khaimah and the ‘Arbian Jewel’, Fujairah. The two emirates are the destinations of choice for beach lovers and relaxation seekers. In addition, Fujairah is bountiful with beautiful beaches and sceneries but has also a cultural identity that not many are aware of; the emirate is home to ancient forts and old mosques,” Marianne added. Manu Koshy, Director of Business Development, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah confirmed that the number of hotel guests from UAE has increased as RAK continues to evolve as a staycation destination for weekends and long holidays. “The UAE is the larger feeder market for the hotel, which recently won the ‘Favourite Middle East Hotel/Resort for Families’ at the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2017. We expect staycation business to continue to grow as RAK as a destination is becoming popular within the GCC and internationally. The emirate is also now home to the world’s largest zipline, which we expect to bring more traction to the area. There is a demand for guests that seek a luxury experience and we offer unforgettable moments. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is in an extraordinary location, cradled by the crimson Hajar Mountains and vast expanses of desert, so adventure is literally on the doorstep.” These ‘nearby escapes’ are nothing but a complete glee that gives excursionists the opportunity to explore the attractions around them and indulge in fun activities, beachfront pools, relaxing spas, and sumptuous cuisines. “We are pleased to continuously welcome guests living in the UAE to Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai,” said Hakan Ozel, General Manager at Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. “We have seen a steady influx of UAE guests staying for both business and leisure trips. In the recent months, we have launched a package to specifically welcome UAE guests looking for a staycation.
This package is available during the weekend and includes brunch at the restaurant of your choice, AED 500 in dining credit and two massages at CHI, The Spa.” When selecting a destination for their staycations, many guests’ decisions are influenced by the hotel’s facilities and services, as they look for comfort and flexible options. “When you have benefits that assist a locally based stay such as advantages with restaurant and spa discounts, or priority late check-out and early check-in, this is always appreciated for a value-added stay,” James said. From his side, Hakan foresees a promising year for staycations in the UAE. “We expect the staycation bookings to continue to grow in 2018 based on the availability of dedicated packages and the increased demand to ‘get away’ without leaving the UAE.” Not only are staycations a reasonable and comfortable way to unwind and escape the daily routine, but also a great contributor that boosts the local economy and promotes it as a tourist destination for outsiders. And, undoubtedly, this type of getaways is set for further growth in the UAE.
