Tourism experts say the increase in budget hotel chains is a good development for the leisure and hospitality industry in the UAE. Adrian Jonklaas, senior consultant at PFK The Consulting House said International budget chains like Aloft and the UK’s Premier Inn are trying to enter the UAE hotel market.
Jonklass said “Guests at budget hotels in the UAE still have to buy air tickets, and business or leisure travel by air is very much a middle and upper class phenomenon,” He said budget travelers spend about $100 on average and this sector’s growth shows the tourism market is maturing in the emirate. He said another advantage of having more budget brand hotels is that they will help keep prices at four and five star hotels in check and force operators to provide excellent service and guest experience. About 30 percent of Abu Dhabi hotels and 40 percent of Dubai hotels are three stars or less, and most of these are unbranded.
