UAE : Hoteliers in the UAE and the region have reported an increase in long-term bookings as people mix work and play during their holidays.
Experts at the Arabian Travel Market told that employees were taking advantage of a new flexible work culture that evolved during the pandemic and opting for “workcations” this summer.
This is despite rising air ticket prices caused by high travel demand and fuel costs.
“We are seeing a lot more people booking workcations this summer,” said Caroline Jonsson, Radisson Hotels’ communication manager for the Middle East.
She said that people were feeling pent up after not being able to travel far during the pandemic, adding to the desire to take longer holidays now restrictions were eased in many countries.
A month at the Leva Hotel, recently named the emirate’s best-reviewed property on Trip Advisor, will cost just under Dh9,000, according to booking.com.
However, the same stay at Dubai’s Palazzo Versace will set you back close to Dh35,000.
A recent report from travel firm Wego showed there had been a significant increase in the number of people booking working holidays.
The company reported there has been an increase of 136 per cent for online searches for holiday homes, a 92 per cent rise in hotel apartments and a 69 per cent increase in apartments.
Wego says there is also a 19 per cent rise in the duration of a stay, with the average holiday booked on the platform being for 22 days.
