Eid al-Adha holiday in UAE: Schengen visa delays prompt residents to choose holiday at home instead of traveling to Europe – News

Beach properties and resorts are the top choice, followed by centrally located hotels with easy access to shopping centers and other key attractions of the city

Despite an increase in outbound travel this year, expected visa delays in European countries have caused Emirati families to postpone their travel plans, opting instead to book accommodation in local hotels.

Some residents are changing their holiday plans due to lengthy delays in getting interviews for Schengen visa applications, according to travel experts upcoming eid al adha holiday.

During the last week of June, UAE residents are expected to take 4 days off to celebrate Islamic holidays.break time likely extended to a six-day weekend.

Thomas Kurian, Hotel Manager at Leva Hotels, said: “The combination of public holidays and long weekends always boosts hotel occupancy. During these long holidays, the demand for accommodation increases and we expect a similar trend for the upcoming Hari Raya holidays “While outbound travel is on the rise this year, visa delays in European countries may prompt people to postpone travel plans later in the year and encourage them to book accommodation in local hotels.”

“Beach properties and resorts in the northern emirates will be the top choice for accommodation, followed by centrally located hotels with easy access to shopping malls and other key attractions of the city,” he added.

Experts in the hospitality industry highlighted that they also “expect an increase in bookings” from tourists from neighboring GCC countries, who prefer hotels with well-located locations that make commuting easier and more convenient.

“We expect higher demand for one or two-night stays from residents living in other emirates. Based on current trends, we expect bookings to pick up closer to the celebration dates. This pattern is consistent with the general behavior observed in In the hospitality industry during the festive season. Overall, we are optimistic about the potential to increase bookings and engagement during Eid,” Kurian added.

Affordability and proximity to the emirate are other criteria, according to travel experts.

During the summer, many UAE residents return to their home countries – the Indian subcontinent, Europe, the US and the UK. They say the trend is largely due to school holidays, as families travel to spend time with loved ones.

Raheesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer, Musafir.com said, “We have observed a significant increase in accommodation bookings during Eid. This increase can be attributed to a variety of factors including higher outbound airfare prices, delays in visa appointments and the choice to return to their hometowns due to school holidays. There are a lot of people on vacation, so this time many people chose to go on vacation locally.

While obtaining a European visa remains a contributing factor, it is important to note that overall holiday package costs for Eid have risen, mainly due to higher airfares. “

They say the UAE offers a fascinating blend of entertainment, tranquility and discovery, catering to a wide range of preferences.

“Famous destinations such as Yas Island, The Palm and Ras Al Khaimah are known for the variety of activities they offer nearby. Additionally, tourists have the opportunity to complement their hotel stays with exciting theme park experiences,” he added road.

Reena Philip of GM Airtravel Enterprises said, “Most people don’t want to travel to the UK because of the inconvenience of traveling there and the current situation. People are also concerned about the backlog of Schengen visas, but we are still noticing concerns about Spain, Greece, Italy, Germany and There has been a steady stream of inquiries from European countries such as France.”

As the holiday season approaches, industry experts expect local bookings to increase. “To make their holidays memorable, families and individuals prefer to stay in hotels close to the beach rather than the cities. Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, including Dubai – beach hotels are popular destinations for most,” she added.