More than one-third (35per cent) of UAE travellers say they are more likely to go on a ‘relaxation holiday’, such as a beach or spa destination, as opposed to a sports/adventure trip or city break, according to a recent survey by Hilton.
The survey polled more than 1,000 respondents across the UAE on their destination preferences to understand the habits of holiday hopefuls.
Results showed that while UAE travellers are most likely to use their time away as an opportunity to relax, 16 per cent travel to attend an occasion, such as a family event, wedding, or concert, 13 per cent for adventure or sport, such as skiing or trekking, 12 per cent for a city break that includes shopping and sightseeing, and 11per cent to explore multiple destinations.
Meanwhile, 38 per cent of respondents said they take their holiday inspiration from social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. Interestingly, word of mouth recommendations from family and friends came in second (17per cent), followed by destination documentaries (10 per cent).
Commenting on the findings, Aligi Gardenghi, Vice President of Marketing, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and Commercial Director MEA at Hilton, said: “One of the best things about living in the UAE is its proximity to such an amazing range of destinations, some of which are literally right on our doorstep. Experiential travel is at the heart of what we do, and with our Hilton Summer Sale running from now until September on our portfolio of brands across EMEA, we hope to inspire holidaymakers to book their next well-deserved getaway.”
According to the survey, overall travel cost was the topmost factor travellers were likely to consider when choosing between two destinations (44per cent). Less important deciding factors for those looking to escape the Dubai heat this summer include safety and security of the destination (16per cent), travel time to destination (11per cent), ease of obtaining a travel visa (7per cent) or a direct flight option (6per cent).
Results also shed light on the role of work obligations in preventing residents from enjoying their annual leave in full. When asked about taking holidays and the allocation of annual leave, 40per cent of those employed in full-time work said they are unable to use all their annual leave due to work pressures, with 13per cent saying they are unable to take the days of they want.
Hoping to inspire travellers to plan ahead and book that all-important time away, Hilton has launched its summer sale, which includes properties across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, offering holidaymaker’s savings of up to 25per cent in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
With over 500 participating hotels to choose from, the only decision left to make is the type of holiday to go on. Whether it’s a staycation in Oman, UAE city-breaks, an island getaway, or a family adventure, last-minute travellers can take advantage of the summer sale to ensure they get the best value at some of the top hotels around the world – just in time for a much-needed summer holiday.
Hilton’s summer sale is running until 3 September 2018 and savings can be made on the entire portfolio of Hilton brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Curio Collection by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.
Highlight offers for guests include:
Istanbul from AED 77 per night**
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center – savings of up to 25per cent for a standard guest room.
Alexandria from Dh537 per night**
Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza – savings of up to 25per cent for a standard guest room.
Ankara from Dh221 per night**
Hilton Garden Inn Ankara – savings of up to 25per cent for a standard guest room.
Athens from Dh782 per night**
Hilton Athens – savings of up to 25per cent for a standard guest room.
London from 757 per night**
DoubleTree by Hilton London-Islington– savings of up to 25per cent for a standard guest room.
Berlin from Dh515 per night**
Hilton Berlin – savings of up to 25per cent for a standard guest room.
Amsterdam from Dh951 per night**
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station – savings of up to 20per cent for a queen guest room.
Mauritius from Dh1,021 per night**
Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa – savings of up to 25per cent for a king deluxe room.
Lake Como from AED 1,172 per night**
Newly opened Hilton Lake Como – savings of up to 20per cent for a king room.
Reykjavik from AED 1,433 per night**
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – savings of up to 25per cent for a king classic room.
Morocco, Tangier from AED 451 per night**
Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Center – savings of up to 25per cent for a king guest room.
