What's happened
As international travel remains uncertain, UAE hotels are launching aggressive staycation campaigns to attract local residents. With enticing packages and significant savings, the domestic travel market is projected to reach record highs, contributing substantially to the national economy.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Domestic Focus: UAE hotels are prioritizing local tourism, offering competitive packages to retain holiday spending within the country.
- Economic Impact: The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts the sector will contribute Dh267.5 billion to the economy in 2025, highlighting its importance.
- Consumer Behavior: With a projected domestic visitor spend of Dh60 billion, residents are increasingly opting for staycations, reflecting a shift in travel preferences.
- Value-Driven Offers: Hotels are crafting comprehensive packages that include discounts, upgrades, and exclusive amenities, making local stays more appealing than ever.
- Longer Holidays: As Eid approaches, there is a notable trend towards longer, more meaningful vacations rather than quick getaways, indicating a deeper desire for immersive experiences.
What the papers say
According to Gulf News, UAE hotels are rolling out aggressive staycation campaigns to capture local holiday spending, with offers that include significant savings and exclusive amenities. The World Travel and Tourism Council's report indicates that the travel sector is set for a record year, contributing nearly 13% to the national GDP. This aligns with a broader trend where UAE residents are increasingly choosing local vacations over international travel, driven by both economic factors and a desire for unique experiences. The rise in staycations is further supported by insights from travel experts who note a shift in consumer behavior towards longer, more immersive holidays, particularly during festive seasons like Eid.
How we got here
The UAE's travel and tourism sector is rebounding post-pandemic, with a focus on domestic tourism. Hotels are responding to a growing demand for local experiences as residents seek alternatives to international travel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Go deeper
- What are the best staycation deals in the UAE?
- How is the travel industry recovering in the UAE?
- What are the top destinations for UAE residents this summer?
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The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m