Business | Tourism
Hotels already booked solid for Eid holidays
The approaching Eid holiday period has resulted in a dramatic increase in both inbound and outbound travel.
- By Shakir Husain, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 October 17, 2006
Dubai: The approaching Eid holiday period has resulted in a dramatic increase in both inbound and outbound travel.
Airline seats for major Asian and Arab cities have sold out as expatriates head home for the break, which marks the end of Ramadan, travel agents said.
Confirmed seats cannot be guaranteed for travel to Delhi, Mumbai, Colombo, Dhaka and Karachi, a Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency ticket reservation officer said.
"Seats are not available for destinations that are within three or four hours of travel distance from Dubai. There is a waiting list," said Hussain Tehrani, general manager of Al Rais Travel.
While people leaving the country find it difficult to book an airline seat, those flying into Dubai may not be able to find a hotel room during the festivities, which are due to start on either Sunday or Monday, if they have not already booked.
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UAE hoteliers said they will be operating at full occupancy during the Eid period.
Dhow Palace Hotel general manager Samier Aziz said he expects a large number of visitors from Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Dubai also receives a large number of visitors from other emirates during the holiday.
Beach resorts also reported near-capacity bookings. Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach business development director Nadim Belbeisi said the Fujairah resort has already achieved 98 per cent occupancy.
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