Luxury hotels in Dubai are offering steep discounts and promoting staycation packages as regional travel disruptions linked to the Iran conflict weigh on international tourism, according to a report by Business Insider.
The report said several high-end properties have reduced room rates and introduced special offers for UAE residents to compensate for a decline in foreign visitors amid flight cancellations and travel advisories.
Hotel group Jumeirah Group, which operates properties such as the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the iconic Burj Al Arab, has been advertising staycation deals including discounts of up to 30 percent and promotional offers such as two-for-one spa treatments, the report noted.
According to Business Insider, the lowest available rate for two adults at Burj Al Arab currently stands at about $905 this month, rising to $1,514 in April.
Other hotels are also rolling out similar offers. The Shangri-La Abu Dhabi has promoted staycation packages with dining discounts, while Address Beach Resort is offering UAE residents up to 30 percent off stays between March 5 and April 30. Standard room rates at the resort start at about $320 per night this month, increasing to $571 in mid-April.
Meanwhile, Roda Beach Resort has introduced offers starting at $108 per night, reporting strong interest from residents seeking lower-priced short stays.
The report said the regional conflict has significantly impacted Middle East tourism, with the World Travel & Tourism Council estimating losses of around $600 million per day in international visitor spending.
Airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Air Canada have also cancelled flights to major regional hubs including Dubai, further affecting travel demand.
Despite the downturn in international arrivals, discounted offers appear to be encouraging domestic tourism. Business Insider reported that a price-tracking website, Hotel Drops Dubai, has recorded discounts of up to nearly 60 percent at some four- and five-star hotels.
