Tell clients to book now for Dubai, says operator
Dnata-owned brands say Dubai has quickly become one of their most popular destinations since the government announced a new travel corridor with the Arab emirate last Thursday.
Online agency Travel Republic saw Dubai bookings increase 150% overnight on Thursday, with more than half of customers booking for December.
The OTA said the average booking value was up by around 20%.
Sister brand Travelbag saw online searches for Dubai increase almost 300% over the weekend, making it by far the most popular destination page.
Trade-only brand Gold Medal said 70% of its Dubai bookings on Friday were for its Pure Luxury brand, and Dubai accounted for almost half of all revenue taken in luxury sales last week. Gold Medal said this ‘strongly suggested ‘ that customers want to treat themselves when they can finally travel.
The message for any agent who has a customer toying with a break to Dubai once the current ban on all outbound leisure travel is lifted is, book now, said the operator, adding that there are some ‘phenomenal deals’ available.
Sales Director Nick Hughes added: "It’s provided us with a real boost after months of challenges and we’ll be working hard with our agent partners in the days to come to ensure their customers know they can book with confidence and travel safely."
Gold Medal is planning to re-issue its Guide to Dubai with more offers later this week, plus it has an incentive giving agents the chance to win one of 10 £100 Amazon vouchers if they book a Dubai package before 31 December.
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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