Staycation bookings by UAE residents for the October half-term holiday have increased 31 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to dnata Travel, with families opting for shorter breaks within the country.
The UAE is the most-booked destination among the company’s customers for the school holiday. dnata Travel said local trips allow families to take time away while avoiding the additional cost and planning associated with travelling overseas.
Dubai accounts for most local bookings
Dubai represents 78 per cent of dnata Travel’s staycation reservations in the UAE. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are the next most popular destinations, with demand strongest for beach resorts and hotels located near major attractions.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, said hotel occupancy is already strong for the break, particularly at properties aimed at families. “Hotels are seeing good occupancy for the October half-term break, particularly family-friendly beach resorts and properties with activities for children,” he said.
He added: “Many popular hotels are already close to full capacity on the main holiday dates, as families look for a short break without the time and cost of flying abroad.”
According to Thekepurathvalappil, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are all receiving bookings, especially from residents seeking resorts where families can spend an entire weekend together.
dnata Travel said hotels on Yas Island and Palm Jumeirah are attracting particular interest because of nearby entertainment, dining and leisure offerings. All-inclusive beach resorts are also popular with families seeking a more straightforward break with a greater share of expenses included in advance.
Booking values and retail demand increase
The average value of family bookings has risen 6 per cent year on year, dnata Travel said. Reservations made through the company’s retail stores increased by 16 per cent, while bookings originating through social media channels were three times higher than a year earlier.
Meerah Ketait, head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said the continued interest in local holidays pointed to changing priorities among family travellers. “The sustained popularity of staycations reflects broader shifts in traveller behaviour, with families placing greater value on convenience, flexibility and meaningful experiences,” she said.
For UAE residents who are booking overseas trips during the period, dnata Travel listed the Maldives, Spain, France, Thailand and Mauritius among the most-reserved destinations. Sales for Spain have risen 65 per cent from a year earlier, while bookings to the United States are up 6 per cent, the company said.
Source: Khaleej Times
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