TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, staycations and daycations see uptick in demand, especially after Expo 2020. As agents are busy making the bookings, key hoteliers in the region share their views with TRAVTALK.
Christopher Pike, General Manager, Radisson Riyadh Airport, KSA
It is the first Ramadan for the newly opened Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport. However, we are quietly confident that we will attract a new Ramadan fan base with the village atmosphere and elegantly decorated surroundings. With an overnight package for two, including Iftar and Sahoor, we aim to attract younger couples from the local community looking to relax and enjoy the whole evening after breaking their fast. It is early to tell, but early booking suggests at least a 4 per cent uplift on existing occupancy during the Holy month.
Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager, Northern Emirates, HMH Hospitality
As per the forecast, hotel occupancies in Northern Emirates will go down during the month of Ramadan. Good news is that all the hotels had a very good recovery in March, as we enjoyed high occupancy with high ADR throughout the month, thanks to Dubai Expo 2020. We drained millions of revenue due to heavy cancellations of confirmed bookings from Russia and Ukraine since the war has started. Staycation packages during the month of Ramadan with Sahoor and Iftar are big hope for the hotels, and everyone is trying to attract local crowd.
David Allan, Cluster General Manager Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront
As per the trend of the past couple of years, we expect that staycations will contribute significantly to our occupancies across our three hotels during Ramadan. Besides, we see demand coming from key markets, particularly Western Europe, aided in part by Easter. We are confident that we will be as busy as ever over these special weeks in the UAE.
Binu Varghese, General Manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR has witnessed excellent occupancy during the first quarter and we aim to sustain this momentum even during Ramadan. The hotel has started rolling out exciting deals for the upcoming summer season, including stays and entertainment deals for April. We expect bookings for staycation during Ramadan.
Ravi Santiago, Cluster General Manager Wyndham Hotels Ajman
Our three hotels are taking proactive strategies to encourage staycation during the Holy Month. The first half of Ramadan this year also coincides with the spring break in schools, thus we have launched various family-friendly offers for residents. We are optimistic that we will achieve an average of 85 per cent occupancy across three properties.
Panos Panagis, District Director Oman Radisson Hotel Group
Radisson hotels in Oman have created exciting staycation promotions to attract the families and groups wishing to experience the Holy Month of Ramadan in contemporary luxury settings. We expect that this Ramadan will get more business than the last two years as residents wish to travel, but within their region, close to home.
Luke James, General Manager, Hyde Hotel Dubai
Hyde Hotel Dubai is perfectly situated given our proximity to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and other Downtown hotspots. We are already seeing strong forward bookings primarily from the UAE, wider GCC and parts of Europe. The hotel is gaining a reputation as a popular hangout, so we expect our pool, spa and daycation offers to be booked up.
Murat Zorlu, General Manager, Rixos The Palm, Dubai Hotel & Suites
Through an endless stream of award-winning worldly cuisines, luxurious stays in scenic accommodations with loads of amenities, including fun-packed activities and an unparalleled display of Turkish hospitality, Rixos Hotels UAE celebrates the Holy Month inviting you and your loved ones to get together for an iftar at A La Turca restaurant.
Horst Walther-Jones, General Manager, Rixos Bab al Bahr
We see an increase in guests from the GCC region and UAE residents visiting us during Ramadan to spend time with their family and loved ones in peace and tranquillity at Rixos Bab al Bahr in Ras al Khaimah. Our iftar and suhoor packages along with discounts on staycations entice them.
Spencer Wadama, General Manager, SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences
SLS Dubai has earned a reputation as the place to be in the city and we expect our rooftop pool, Privilege, Ciel Spa and our daycation offers to be booked up throughout the month. Ahead of Ramadan we are already seeing an uptake in bookings for April, primarily from the US, Israel and Western Europe.
Alfio Bernardini, General Manager – Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City
As Ramadan and summer season approach, we expect demand will rise. Historically, daycations/staycations have been a strong suit of beach/resort properties; however, we see growing interest of local residents to try out city hotels with leisure entertainment options.
Inputs by Shehara Rizly
