Hotelbeds sees UAE volumes recover to above pre-pandemic levels

Dubai has been a top three destination consistently throughout the COVID-19 crisis

Hotelbeds sales in the United Arab Emirates have recovered to pre-pandemic levels the global bed bank has revealed.

Updating ahead of next month’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the firm reported the Gulf state destination has consistently been within its top three destinations by room nights sold throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Year to date volumes for the wider UAE as destination are back ahead of pre-pandemic levels with both early bird bookings and last-minute reservations representing the majority of the room nights sold.

Regional Sourcing Director, Ali Taheri, said: “While the whole of the travel industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, it is fantastic news that we can name Dubai as one of our leading destinations during this time, highlighting its enduring magnetism for travellers.

“As a region, and as a team, we have been able to maintain high levels of resilience during these unprecedented times and this is due to a number of factors.

“Firstly, having exposure to a diversified domestic and international client base protected us against the risk of lost volumes in closed corridors and secondly, we benefitted from uninterrupted cash flow while many players were facing systemic cash restrictions.

“And last but not least, the destructive nature of the pandemic brought out the streetfighter spirit in the team.

“We’re now looking forward to a strong recovery, not just in our region but across the sector globally, for our wonderful industry.”