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The UAE’s tourism and hospitality sectors are expected to receive a much-needed boost from local demand in the coming months, with the majority of “domestic travellers” now considering a staycation.
In a new survey among thousands of residents across the Emirates, Dnata Travel found that 91 percent of the respondents wanted to travel around the country or “experience more of the UAE” in 2020 and 2021.
The findings prompted Dnata’s travel experts to predict that there will be an increase in domestic travel across the country throughout 2020 and beyond.
Businesses in the UAE’s tourism and hospitality industries have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic due to a massive slump in tourist numbers. Dubai has recently reopened its doors to foreign visitors after the lockdown, but international arrivals are still at low levels compared to last year.
The majority of the respondents said they are considering more domestic travel, with local hotspots like Ras Al Khaimah on top of their list.
Top destinations
Among those polled, 55 percent said they would like to explore more of the emirate in the next year. Fujairah earned the second-highest votes, followed by Dubai.
According to Emily Jenkins, head of retail and product at Dnata Travel, there has already been a “strong demand” for staycations in the UAE, especially since travel restrictions in several destinations worldwide haven’t been completely lifted yet.
“As the temperature starts to cool here, and as the world continues to weather the effects of the global pandemic with many countries not yet open for travel, this has further incentivised local travellers to seek a change of scenery closer to home, from UAE hidden gems to iconic hotels and attractions, with world-class, enhanced levels of health and safety,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins said they may be seeing some bookings to popular holiday destinations abroad such as the Maldives and Seychelles as some countries start to open up, but “the strong demand continues for UAE staycations with an increased spread across the country, as travellers seek new places to explore,” Jenkins added.
When asked what type of domestic holiday plans they have in mind, 50 percent of the respondents said a “beach break” is their number one choice. This was followed closely by the need for an “outdoor / adventure holiday” or an “island escape”, respectively.
(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)
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