58% growth in travel bookings to Ireland from UAE: dnata

Dubai / WAM

Travel from the UAE to the island of Ireland has seen strong growth from January 01 until June 30, 2019, based on travel statistics released by dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest-standing travel agency, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Compared to the same period (H1) in 2018, UAE locals and residents have been visiting Ireland in greater numbers, drawn to its diverse landscape and vast natural beauty. Over the first two quarters of the year, 58 percent more bookings to Ireland were made through dnata Travel’s platforms, and room nights booked have also increased by 72 percent.
Additional data indicates that sales of trips and accommodation to Ireland increased nearly two-fold during Eid Al Fitr alone, as compared to last year. This correlated to the travel provider noting that online searches for holidays to Ireland have seen a 675 percent augmentation in the first six months of this year.
The most preferred destination for travellers from the UAE market was to Dublin, with 95 percent of hotel bookings made through the dnata Travel platform favouring the capital city, followed by the cosmopolitan city of Cork.
Visitors from the region have been found to reinforce their preference for luxury accommodation whilst abroad, as 47 percent of hotels booked were for 5-star properties, followed by 4-star and 3-star hotels respectively.
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, commented, “The island of Ireland has much to offer to the residents of the UAE, be it adventure, scenic landscapes, or unique experiences, all of which contribute to the rise in visitor figures from this market year on year. Through increased exposure to residents of the UAE, we hope to welcome more guests to explore the island of Ireland and appreciate its rich culture, the friendliness of the people and varied attractions.”