Hotel occupancy rates in Dubai could be boosted by transit passengers if they are encouraged to pause their travels for a break in Dubai. Managing Director of Premier Inn said that while Dubai Airport is bucking the trend with big increases in passenger traffic, the challenge is “to encourage more people who transit through Dubai to spend a few days in the city.”
Darroch Crawford said hotels must work with Emirates to promote Dubai. Hotels have partnered with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing to offer special tourism packages aimed at increasing tourism. Associate Director of Tri Hospitality Consulting John Podaris said much of the increase in Dubai’s hotel occupancy rates is attributed to transit traffic. He said Dubai’s growth also accounts for increased tourist arrivals.
