Delays in Schengen visa appointments will fuel a surge in UAE staycation bookings during Eid Al Adha, experts told Arabian Business.
“Schengen visa delays can have an impact on travel trends for any market, including the UAE, during Eid Al Adha holidays,” Binoy Ouseph, Commercial Director at Dubai-based travel agency Ibyta, told Arabian Business.
With the relaxation of COVID curbs, outbound travel demand has recovered over the past year, leading many to plan holidays abroad to satisfy their pent up desire to travel. However, the lack of Schengen visa appointments across the country and visa issuance delays have discouraged many avid travellers in the UAE, who have instead decided to opt for domestic holidays or travel to countries that don’t require them to obtain a visa.
“Travellers may choose alternative destinations that do not require a Schengen visa, or have simpler visa processes. This many prompt individuals to consider exploring destinations within the UAE and could result in an increase in domestic or regional tourism,” Ouseph added.
“Dubai as well as other emirates known for its luxurious hotels, stunning architecture, and vibrant lifestyle, offers a fantastic option for those looking to unwind and explore without venturing too far from home – staycations.”
“There is a huge demand for villas with pools and hotels with beach access.”
Renewed boost to UAE domestic tourism
Sharing the same sentiment was Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotels in Dubai, who said that he also expects the visa delays from European countries to push UAE residents to postpone their outbound travel plans to later on in the year.
This will likely lead to more local hotel bookings, he believes, in a renewed boost to domestic tourism.
“We expect to see a higher demand for one or two-night stays from residents residing in other emirates,” he added.
“Based on the prevailing trend, we anticipate that bookings will pick up closer to the dates of the celebrations.”
Kurian explained that public holidays which are combined with long weekends almost always result in positive hotel occupancy.
The Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha holidays for federal ministries and entities will be from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12, 1444, according to a circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) on Sunday. This corresponds with June 27 to June 30, 2023.
The last time domestic tourism peaked was during the pandemic, when UAE residents desperate for an escape from the lockdown woes, chose to explore the northern emirates.
Beach properties and resorts located in the northern emirates which include Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain, will likely be a preferred choice for staycations, he added, followed by centrally-located hotels which are in close proximity to malls and other key attractions in the city.
“We are also anticipating increased booking from visitors from neighbouring GCC countries who prefer hotels that are strategically located which makes commuting easier and convenient for them.”
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