The new influx of travelers in Dubai and Doha is largely due to the recent expansion of flight routes by Emirates and Qatar Airways. Both airlines have increased their global networks, which means more available seats and thus, increasing the number of passengers flying into both cities. The airlines have been reporting record occupancy rates for hotels with top-tier accommodation in both destinations.
Emirates has added direct routes from major hubs of New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Sydney, making travelling to the UAE easier than ever for long-haul travellers. The expansion of its schedule and focus on providing high-quality, premium services on board have contributed to an increase in visitors year-on-year to Dubai and the shortening of booking windows for luxury hotel options, such as Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm. As a result, travelers now have a broader range of flight options and face a greater challenge in securing last-minute luxury hotel reservations.
The same is true of Qatar Airways, but its operations go out from Doha, Qatar. The airline’s fleet and its award-winning service are encouraging visitors to choose to stop and experience Doha on a multi-day basis instead of simply passing through. Hotel brands such as the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton are experiencing increased demand from international tourists who have included Doha on their travel itineraries due to its new and exciting offerings, including the Pearl-Qatar and new dining options being developed by local restaurants.
Both interstate airline operators prioritize sustainable travel practices alongside convenience. To help reduce carbon emissions and improve their reputations as environmentally responsible companies, they are investing heavily in modernizing their fleets and developing fuel-efficient aircraft for them. The sustainability angle is very attractive to both corporate travel groups and premium leisure travelers who factor sustainability into their airline selection as well as their destination selection.
For individuals considering a trip to Dubai or Doha, the best time to visit is between November and April, when approximately 75% of outdoor venues are expected to have favorable weather for various activities. Additionally, the entry rules for visitors have been significantly relaxed across most international travel markets, depending on the tourist’s country of nationality, and flight times from NYC to Dubai or Doha are typically around 12-13 hours for most travelers.
On the other hand, with each of the carriers growing their presence and also working to market their presence to tourists interested in the luxury, cultural, and mega-event products, there are even more reasons for tourists from around the world to include both Dubai and Doha as must-see destinations in every component of their tourism calendars, as the demand and corresponding commercial airline availability from one to the other has developed over the past year and as the quantity and quality of the hotels in each of the destinations continue to increase at the same rate as the influx of tourists.
