UAE | Tourism
Tour operators oblige holiday crowd
Low fares and budget travel packages are being snapped up by people looking for a short yet memorable holiday.
- By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter
- Published: 01:18 September 30, 2008
- People eager to reach home in time for Eid check into Dubai Airport.
- Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
Dubai: Low fares and budget travel packages are being snapped up by people looking for a short yet memorable holiday.
Tour operators and airlines said special Eid packages to destinations like Turkey, the Maldives, Egypt, Jordan and Beirut, are selling like hotcakes.
Flights to most destinations are fully booked but enquiries continue to pour in from residents chalking out last-minute travel plans and still waiting for a clearer picture on the actual number of holidays they will get.
Charlotte D'mello, a marketing executive at Sharaff Travels, said the agency had been kept busy since August by those who had finalised their travel plans.
"Turkey and the Maldives are the hot favourites this year. We have lined up special packages to these destinations, starting from anything between Dh1,200 to Dh1,500 for a three-night stay. And people are lapping it up as it is good value for money," said Charlotte.
According to D'mello, the shorter destinations are more popular during Eid since people are not very keen to waste time flying.
Family focus
Thierry Bertin, vice-president sales and marketing, Hyatt International - South West Asia, said more travellers from the Middle East region are booking their Eid breaks at the last minute and prefer holiday destinations within easy reach that offer a mix of luxury and, first-rate shopping and entertainment options.
"With a large amount of Eid trips being booked at the last minute, travellers are looking for destinations that are easy to get to and offer a number of activities that the whole family can enjoy," he said.
Dnata Holidays said they have special offers to 12 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East with up to 50 per cent off on hotel rates and a wide choice of airlines.
Airlines are also offering special Eid packages to destinations like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Beirut, Jordan and Egypt.
Plans made easier
For instance, Malaysia Airlines is offering many special packages on flights from Dubai to Beirut and East Asian destinations. Return airfares from Dubai to Beirut start from Dh500, while special airfares for travel to Manila and Cebu via Kuala Lumpur start from Dh1,670.
Residents told Gulf News the number of low-cost options available made their travel plans easier.
"I have booked for a trip to Turkey with my friends, and it is costing me around Dh1,700 including hotel stay for three nights and sightseeing. I think it is a good deal. I am told the rates will go up by at least 25 to 35 per cent by next month. I don't want to pass up this opportunity," said Muneer Alam, a Pakistani network engineer.
Hotels and furnished apartments in Dubai are also enjoying the seasonal boom. Most of them are fully booked for Eid as many visitors from neighbouring GCC countries are travelling to Dubai to celebrate with friends and relatives.
How do you plan to spend your Eid? Would you prefer to travel? Or do you invite guests for meals? How different is Eid in the UAE compared to your home country?
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