‘Staycations’ to bring gains for UAE hotels this year

RITIKA SHARMA / Emirates Business

Summers are in and everyone expects UAE residents to be planning their vacations to some exotic cooler locales, but this year most of them will be staying back, contended industry experts.
Tourism and hospitality sector experts vouch that UAE will remain one of the most-preferred choices as the new trend of holidaying within the country or ‘staycations’ becomes popular. UAE staycations industry, which witnessed a 10 percent growth in 2015 and added increased revenue to the overall hospitality sector, is expected to grow further this year.
A rising number of UAE residents are spending more on vacations at home, according to a recent report based on credit and debit card transactions in the UAE. Reports state that growth in 2015 spending in the hospitality sector was fuelled by ‘staycationers’ and backed by some enticing offers. They add that in 2016, the industry is bound to see a 5 percent growth from last year.
Reports also suggest that unexplored Emirates, like Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), attract more local tourists. A testimony to the fact is that visitor numbers to RAK in March 2016 were up 7 percent on March 2015. Furthermore, the emirate’s hotels reported an occupancy rate of 80.3 per cent, up by 13.3 per cent on March 2015. RevPAR or revenue per available room for March 2016 also increased by 14.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. Currently, approximately half (around 50 percent) of the Emirate’s visitors come from the UAE.
Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, told Emirates Business, “Ras Al Khaimah has several attributes that make it a top staycations destination among UAE residents. Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, it is easily accessed, and offers a whole new world in terms of relaxation, wellness, adventure and authentic culture.”
“Many people come to be surrounded by incredible natural beauties such as Jebel Jais – the highest mountain in the UAE, the miles of unspoiled beaches and pristine coves, and the terracotta-coloured desert landscapes. Our hotels offer golf and water sports, as well as excellent family and spa facilities – so the destination appeals to all tastes,” he added.
Darren Armstrong, who runs a Dubai-based travel company that specialises in rates for staycations, told Emirates Business, “There is one major reason that has given the required push to staycations in UAE – the rise of adventure tourism. UAE has some very good offers for those who want to get their adrenaline rushing during summers without having to travel abroad. It saves money and it you from the hassle of visa and air travel too.”
“Last year I received a total of 56 requests form staycations packages. This year, till now, we already have over 80 requests. With the wide range of landscapes available in UAE, staycationers have a whole range of activities to choose from,” Armstrong added.