Staycation prices during the long weekend for Eid have been increasing exponentially, according to industry sources.
“The prices are rocketing because of high demand,” said Raja Mir Wasim, Manager, Galadari International Travel Services. “A lot of people who were planning to travel abroad during Eid have changed their plans due to the rising Covid cases. They are preferring to go somewhere local for staycations and relax with their families.”
“The prices usually increase around Eid breaks,” said Malik Bedekar, Operations Manager of Smart Travel. “However, this year, a lot of people are having issues getting visa appointments for European countries. Ticket prices to cheaper locations are also coming up to Dh2800 per person. Rather than spend that amount, a lot of people prefer to go for local staycations or even day trips.”
A quick search reveals that some prices have more than doubled. A well-known Dubai hotel which has rooms starting from Dh663 during normal weekends has increased prices to Dh1480 during the Eid weekend.
Another popular family resort in Ras Al Khaimah has seen its prices go from Dh1135 for the July 1-3 weekend to Dh2037 for the same package on the July 8-10 weekend.
Bujair Mangalangattu from Deira Travel and Tourism agency echoed the same observations. “Rising air ticket rates, difficulty finding appointment slots of European visas and Covid cases are prompting people to change their holiday plans,” he said. “Also, many people also don’t want to go away for the 4 nights and 5 days that fixed departure packages usually offer. They are looking for shorter, cheaper stay options with their families. That is why prices of staycations are increasing.”
