Teletext reports huge increase in UAE sales
Teletext Holidays says it has seen a 40% year on year increase for bookings for the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah (above).
The latter was the location of last year’s Association of Independent Tour Operator’s overseas conference.
However, Teletext said bookings for Dubai City/Jumeirah and the Palm Islands were driving the majority of sales.
The company said bookings for March were up 57% year on year.
Last minute bookings, for trips departing within 50 days, are up 40% year on year and bookings with departures from 51 to 100 days away are up 30%, it said.
While bed and breakfast, half-board and room-only meal plans remain the most popular for Arabian destinations, Teletext has seen a big increase in all-inclusive bookings, with an uplift of 80% year on year.
It is also seeing strong demand for regional flights, with bookings from Birmingham up 75%, due to an increase in airlines’ schedules.
MD Wayne Perks said: "It is encouraging to see an uplift in bookings [to UAE], where there has been significant inward investment. Exciting new Emirate destinations such as Ajman are starting to become more visible to UK consumers who are seeking the Middle East experience at a slightly lower price point.
"As Ajman is only 30 minutes outside the ever-popular Dubai, this is one to watch for 2019.
"With our strong specialism in all-inclusive holidays, we have been able to capitalise on the extensive all-inclusive offering in resorts including Ras Al Khaimah. Over the next year, we predict even further growth across the UAE and will be actively expanding product not just into the UAE, but to meet increased demand from customers calling our sales centre and asking for us to arrange multicentre itineraries including the Middle East, and then travelling onto further east bound destinations."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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