A 100% occupancy by January 1? Dubai’s hotels believe they can

How high will the occupancy go? Less than three weeks to New Year, Dubai’s hotels – those on the beaches and in the city – are experiencing the December dynamics. Demand is as keenly felt as the chill of winter, and the numbers this is throwing up Is enough to warm hotel owners and hospitality brands.

It does not matter whether it is a super-luxury hotel-as-a-destination or a four-star, budget-friendly property, if a room is available, it will be taken. There is a bona fide boom going on in Dubai hospitality sector – and is likely to stay on.

In the final days of this year, hotels could be closing in on the 90 per cent mark – and if all goes according to plan, hit that perfect score.

This time, it is all of the influencing factors coming together in perfect sync – that means the Expo visitors plus those coming to Dubai for a bit of well-earned rest and recreation and welcome the New Year. The Expo site visitor numbers have already crossed 6.3 million, and it is a fair guess that a good percentage of these would be from overseas.

So, what does all this mean for Dubai hotels? Will all of this December’s demand be met by overseas arrivals, whether for business or pleasure?

Industry sources say that staycation packages have slipped in prominence for the first time in 20 months. Hotel operators are putting all of their attention in winning business from those flying into the city (or crossing the border by road from a Gulf state).

Online travel sites like makemytrip.com, booking.com are offering a free cancellation policy and no pre-payment policy for almost all the bookings. “Waiting period are roughly around two weeks,” said a local travel agent. “The most preferred location is Downtown, and most of the tourists take the metro to the Expo venue as this is budget-friendly.”

Here’s a word of advice – make those travel plans fast. And the bookings even earlier.