Summer 2024 records an increase in hotel occupancy

Hotel officials said that the summer of 2024 witnessed a growth in hotel occupancy rates of up to 50% compared to the same period last year, driven by stability factors and the growing status of the UAE as a preferred tourist destination, the establishment of Dubai as a major global tourist hub that receives millions of tourists annually, the launch of offers targeting new markets, the addition of new facilities, the availability of middle and economy class accommodation, and the hosting of major exhibitions and events.

They confirmed to “Emarat Al Youm” that some hotels achieved occupancy rates of nearly 90%, while beach destinations witnessed a noticeable increase in occupancy rates compared to last summer, due to receiving long-stay monthly guests.

They expressed optimism about occupancy levels during the fourth quarter, after Dubai became a major global tourism hub, receiving millions of tourists annually.

Occupancy growth

In detail, the General Manager of Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Tolunay, said: “The hotel achieved a growth in occupancy of 50% during the summer period, compared to the same period last year, supported by the growing status of the UAE and Abu Dhabi as a preferred tourist destination, the launch of offers targeting new markets, and the addition of new facilities.” He pointed out that the most important markets that showed strong demand during the summer were the European market and the CIS countries.

Tolunay expects an 18% increase in occupancy rates by the end of this year compared to last year, as a result of enhancing innovative products, new offers, and targeting emerging and existing markets.

Reasonable prices

“Our hotels in Dubai achieved an average occupancy rate of 80% during the summer, reflecting an 8% increase year-on-year, with some hotels in the city achieving occupancy rates of almost 90%, while beach destinations witnessed a significant increase compared to last summer, due to receiving long-term monthly guests,” said Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer of Rove Hotels.

“The group’s key markets during the summer were primarily the domestic market, supported by short and long stays, as well as neighbouring regional markets,” he added, noting that affordable prices helped make monthly stay packages very attractive, attracting a steady flow of guests looking for extended stays during the summer months.

Bridger expects the occupancy rates in the group’s hotels to exceed 85% by the end of this year 2024, expressing his optimism about occupancy levels during the fourth quarter, after Dubai became a major global tourism hub, receiving millions of tourists annually. He added that the group is focusing on targeting business and beach visitors, noting an increase from some African markets that are witnessing remarkable growth, such as Ethiopia.

Early booking

In the same context, Elizaveta Miroshnichenko, Sales Manager at Al Habtoor Polo Resort, said: “The summer season witnessed an increase in occupancy rates of up to 15%, as a result of Dubai’s touristic appeal, increased bookings from government and corporate sectors, as well as the implementation of the early booking initiative.” She explained that the most important markets during the summer period are the UAE market, India, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, South Africa, the United States, Spain, Egypt, and Jordan.

“We expect occupancy rates to increase to 54% by the end of this year, with continued improvement in future performance, in line with the hotel’s strategy to ensure the continued flow of advance bookings, and to make the most of last-minute bookings and short stays,” she added, noting that the hotel is currently focusing on attracting sports groups, thanks to its specialized facilities, while continuing to host meetings and group bookings.

She stressed that the hotel aims to enhance its share of international markets while expanding efforts to attract residents of the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council, noting the increasing demand from Spain, Italy, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

UAE Market

“The resort achieved good occupancy levels throughout the summer, reaching 70% in the middle of the week and exceeding 85% on weekends, and witnessed steady bookings from day-use visitors,” said Rashid Bekkas, General Manager of Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Resort, noting that the UAE market topped the markets exporting visitors, in addition to large numbers of Russian and British nationalities.

He expected occupancy rates to be higher until the end of the year, especially in the fourth quarter, with many bookings confirmed, supported by the UAE’s growing status as a preferred tourist destination, the general increase in travel to it during the winter season, and increased demand from high-end markets.

Loopasis: Tourist flow and trips for business and leisure

Panos Loubassis, General Manager of Markets in Turkey, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said that 2024 witnessed an increase in occupancy rates, with the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain markets achieving a 10% growth in occupancy during June and July 2024, compared to the same two months last year.

He stressed that the influx of visitors from neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during August 2024 led to an increase in occupancy rates, expecting occupancy levels to remain high until the end of the year.

He pointed out that indicators show that tourist flow from many markets will grow compared to last year 2023, thanks to stability, increased availability of middle and economy class accommodation, holding various exhibitions, sporting events, major conferences, and continued demand for new trends, such as combined business and leisure trips, extended trips, and development plans in Wyndham hotels.