The UAE authorities have laid down a number of rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of tourists and residents. The main among them is the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test to enter the emirates.
The hospitality industry also has strict rules to follow, such as regular sterilization, mandatory temperature checks of their staff and guests, and the appointment of security officers to ensure that cleaning and hygiene protocols are carried out to a high standard and to handle any questions or concerns that guests may have.
Subhojit Mahalanobis, General Manager, Danube Hospitality Solution, says that such initiatives can help calm the minds of the people at such unprecedented time.
Occupancy levels in Dubai fell by 52 percent in May compared to the same period last year. However, in July 2020 there was a significant improvement in the occupancy rate. The latest figures from the Department of Culture and Tourism show that the hotels in Abu Dhabi are busier than at the same time last year. Another important thing that was seen is the increased demand for luxury service apartments and holiday homes.
As a hub for business and tourism, Dubai is best known for its hospitality, business and leisure sectors. Owing to this, Dubai will witness a faster recovery than other GCC markets. Most of the current and future business growth is expected from domestic tourism and staycation.
According to research by Colliers International, local tourism and domestic travel are expected to lead the UAE with the participation of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and the GCC’s recovery from COVID-19 is expected to expand. The research also found that the percentage of bookings to Abu Dhabi within a 48-kilometer radius increased from just 20 in January 2020 to 43 in March. While, in Dubai, the percentage rise from 19 to 36.
“Due to international travel restrictions post lockdown, many of the residents have been opting for mini getaways and staycations to luxury serviced apartments and holiday homes. For people, safety has become a top priority while going on a vacation. As a result, the staycation trend is expected to grow in the coming months.” Mr. Mahalanobis opined.
According to him, the IPL will boost the confidence of the people in Dubai. And also he said that the cricketing create lots of revenue in India. From hosting teams, media, sponsors and fans, the league also creates F&B and event business for hotels which will result in an increase in revenue. It is estimated that the IPL usually creates 25,000 room nights for hotels in India.
Due to the COVID-19 situation in India, the relocation of IPL 2020 to the UAE creates a lot of revenue opportunities for the UAE. It enhances the confidence of local and international tourists to feel perfectly safe in visiting the country. The Expo 2020 will increase the number of tourists visiting the UAE by 2021, which will qualitatively influence the retail, hospitality and construction industries. ”
