The hotels and hotel apartments in Dubai are witnessing an increased demand for rooms this summer with the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) contributing to an influx of tourists from the GCC.

According to industry sources, the demand had risen by 15 per cent across budget, mid-range and premium hotels. Another key factor this year has been rise in domestic tourism with residents of other emirates taking advantage of tailor-made holiday packages.

Presently, Dubai has 352 hotels and 188 hotel apartments with 61,182 rooms and furnished flats. Out of these, 52 are five-star hotels and 59 are four-star hotels.

Daniel Hajjar, general manager of Layia Hospitality, said, 'Every year, DSS enables Dubai to stand out among other interesting destinations to visit during the summer. Its impact this year was felt from the start of July as schools in the GCC closed by the June end and the FIFA World Cup delayed travel plans for many.'

'Despite these factors, occupancy rates of our serviced and furnished apartments touched 85 per cent while the Layia Oak Hotel & Suites saw occupancy rates of around 70 per cent. We are confident to trade in the high 80's from now till the start of Ramadan,' Hajjar said.

Martin Kolb, general manager of Ramada Downtown, said, 'DSS has had a notable impact in the occupancy this summer with rates touching 75 per cent. This figure represents an increase of 25 per cent compared to the months prior to DSS.'

'It should also be noted that the location of Ramada Downtown at the Burj Khalifa area has played a significant role in attracting guests,' he added.  

Moin sarhaan, GM of Tamani Marina, pointed out that the demand for rooms had been very visible since the start of DSS with an increase of 10 to 15 per cent compared to other periods.

'A notable factor was the high number of guests from other emirates. The FIFA World Cup did have a negative impact on occupancy rates but we expect the remaining part of DSS to be much better,' he noted.

He said the first four weeks of DSS recorded an occupancy rate of 75 per cent but the demand had increased and that occupancy would reach 80 and 90 per cent based on current bookings. One of the reasons for increased tourists from GCC, he added, was ‘Kids go Free’ promotion launched by Emirates airline.

Habib Khan, general manager of Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa, said, “The packages that we offered had a very positive impact on occupancy rates as it touched 75 per cent. This represents a 15 per cent increase since the start of DSS.”

He also said that the majority of the hotel guests were from Europe, especially from the UK, who came to enjoy the numerous attractions across Dubai. 

Midhat Barsoom, general manager of Capitol Hotel, said, “A majority of hotel guests are from other emirates and this is a welcome factor for domestic tourism. We have seen large groups of guests, especially families that take advantage of combined offers and packages. We expect a positive outcome during the rest of the summer as schools have closed and this in turn will encourage families to travel.”-TradeArabia News Service