Hotels are witnessing an increase in bookings from GCC residents, as well as Bahrainis who are opting for staycations instead of international getaways, during Eid Al Adha holidays.
Hospitality officials told the GDN that their facilities were nearing full capacity, with very limited availability remaining, and that a variety of special packages have been curated to offer guests a cultural and relaxing experience.
“With the cost of international travel increasing, many families are opting for staycations and the kingdom continues to gain popularity as a preferred destination in the region,” Hilton Bahrain general manager Tamer Farouk told the GDN.
“We have received a strong volume of reservations from neighbouring GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, as well as from local residents who are looking for a luxurious and convenient getaway.”
He added that family rooms have become the most popular option during Eid as they include a spacious living room, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen.
“We have also introduced several exciting concepts this year to make Eid extra special for our guests,” he said.
Mr Farouk
Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain general manager Thibault de Vries agreed that rising costs of travel have encouraged consumers to book staycations, with the hotel nearing full occupancy.
“The majority of our guests are from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE, reflecting a strong regional interest in luxurious staycations,” he said.
The most popular packages, so far, have been the GCC Residents Offer, Bahrain Citizens Offer and suite requests.
“Many guests are requesting suites, which offer up to BD150 ($400) in resort credit to be used across our diverse dining venues and Talise Spa. They can also enjoy a complimentary abra boat ride and cinema sessions,” he added.
“In addition to the packages, we have organised a lavish themed buffet with a focus on lamb specialities.
“From June 6 to 8, guests can also enjoy live oud performances at Zahrat Al Fayrouz, our signature Arabic restaurant, enhancing the ambience with cultural charm.”
According to data from Bahrain’s Open Data Portal, the average length of stay for tourists in hotels for Eid Al Adha 2024 (June 15 to 18) was 2.70 nights. It also showed that inbound Saudi visitors alone numbered 1,163,552 while an additional 131,055 came from other GCC countries during the above period. The average daily spend per visitor was BD69.43 during last Eid Al Adha in 2024.
InterContinental Bahrain sales and marketing director Visnja Vuco said that the hotel has also witnessed a noticeable rise in bookings, with many guests opting for staycations that combine ‘comfort, culture and convenience’.
Located in the heart of Manama, the hotel offers an elevated city escape for citizens and residents ‘seeking a refined holiday experience’ without splurging to travel abroad.
Ms Vuco
“The ease of access paired with luxury amenities and curated experiences makes our hotel a preferred choice for guests looking to celebrate in style,” Ms Vuco said.
She noted that the hotel’s packages were designed to cater to a wide range of preferences – from elegant accommodations with exclusive dining benefits to family-friendly packages that blend relaxation and celebration.
“One of the standout experiences is our Traditional Eid Brunch featuring live entertainment, engaging children’s activities and a lavish buffet showcasing dishes from around the globe,” he added.
Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain sales and distribution director Michael Mounir noted a moderate increase in bookings this year, with guests coming from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, aligning with their usual regional trends during holiday seasons.
Mr Mounir
“We are offering a range of staycation packages for families and residents,” he said, adding that World Pastry Champion Chef Alexis Beaufils has enhanced their sweet offerings this month by specially curating an afternoon tea at the Ritz Gourmet Lounge.
“We also have other surprises that we will share with our audience very soon,” he added.
In 2024, accommodation and food service activities recorded an increase of 5.9 per cent, according to the latest Bahrain Economic Report released by the Finance and National Economy Minister.
Strong growth across several key indicators was observed during the year, such as total inbound tourism flows reaching 14.9 million, marking a 19.9pc YoY increase. This was driven by the rise in same-day visitors which increased by 19.4pc to reach 8.3m and the rise in overnight visitors which increased by 20.7pc to reach 6.6m.
This positively impacted the hotel sector, with overnight stays recording a 16pc YoY growth to a total of 19.2m.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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