Latest news with #staycations
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Central Hotels & Resorts reports 25% rise in Dubai stays
UAE - Central Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hospitality management company in the UAE, has seen a 25 per cent increase in bookings from UAE residents in recent months, driven by the rise of staycations and summer getaways among families, couples, and millennial groups. This growth mirrors wider trends in the UAE travel industry, with Dubai accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all in-country bookings and travel spend. The group's strategic location in sought-after neighbourhoods offers guests both the escape of a resort and the connectivity of a city stay. This domestic shift has helped balance seasonality, with international travel often peaking in the winter months. Central's summer performance is increasingly buoyed by UAE residents seeking familiar luxury in a fresh way, making it the go-to choice for discerning domestic travellers. The shift in guest expectations and travel behaviour is more than just a seasonal trend; it represents a fundamental evolution in guest expectations and travel behaviour. 'Dubai's residents are falling in love with their own city all over again,' said Abdulla Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Al Ansari, Chief Operating Officer and Group General Manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. 'We are seeing a strong and sustained increase in domestic leisure travel, particularly from Emirati families and long-time residents who are discovering the charm of a short escape without the stress of airports or long-haul planning. In fact, family travel now contributes to nearly 30 per cent of our domestic revenue, and demand for interconnecting rooms and suites has risen by more than 40 per cent this summer compared to the same period last year.' 'This shift has led us to refine our offering with an even greater focus on convenience, connectivity, and comfort. Our city and beachfront properties, such as Royal Central Hotel The Palm, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, and C Central Resort The Palm, are ideal for guests seeking immersive experiences, whether it's lounging poolside with the kids, enjoying curated dining menus with regional flair, or simply waking up to uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf or Dubai Canal. We've introduced 'Kids Go Free' promotions, enhanced family packages, and added thoughtful touches like flexible check-in/out timings and upgraded leisure facilities that turn a weekend into a real holiday,' added Al Ansari. 'We expect domestic leisure travel to account for 35 per cent of our total occupancy this summer, up from 28 per cent last year, helping us maintain strong performance even during what was once considered the low season,' said Al Ansari.
Zawya
21 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Central Hotels & Resorts sees 25% spike in leisure stays as Dubai staycations boom
Dubai, UAE: As Dubai cements its position as a year-round destination not just for international tourists but also for domestic explorers, Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest-growing hospitality management companies in the UAE, is reaping the benefits of a new hospitality landscape defined by leisure, locality, and lifestyle. The homegrown hotel group has recorded a 25 per cent increase in bookings from UAE residents in recent months, driven by the rise of staycations and summer getaways among families, couples, and millennial groups opting for curated experiences closer to home. This growth mirrors wider trends in the UAE travel industry. According to Visa's 2025 UAE Travel Pulse, domestic travel spending rose by 68 per cent year-on-year, with Dubai accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all in-country bookings and travel spend. Similarly, STR's latest report confirms that Dubai welcomed 18.7 million overnight visitors in 2024, achieving an average occupancy rate of 78.2 per cent and a RevPAR of AED 421—impressive figures that reflect the city's strategic positioning as a leisure powerhouse. For Central Hotels & Resorts, this shift is more than just a seasonal trend. It represents a fundamental evolution in guest expectations and travel behaviour. 'Dubai's residents are falling in love with their own city all over again,' said Abdulla Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Al Ansari, Chief Operating Officer and Group General Manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. 'We are seeing a strong and sustained increase in domestic leisure travel, particularly from Emirati families and long-time residents who are discovering the charm of a short escape without the stress of airports or long-haul planning. In fact, family travel now contributes to nearly 30 per cent of our domestic revenue, and demand for interconnecting rooms and suites has risen by more than 40 per cent this summer compared to the same period last year.' 'This shift has led us to refine our offering with an even greater focus on convenience, connectivity, and comfort. Our city and beachfront properties, such as Royal Central Hotel The Palm, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, and C Central Resort The Palm, are ideal for guests seeking immersive experiences, whether it's lounging poolside with the kids, enjoying curated dining menus with regional flair, or simply waking up to uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf or Dubai Canal. We've introduced 'Kids Go Free' promotions, enhanced family packages, and added thoughtful touches like flexible check-in/out timings and upgraded leisure facilities that turn a weekend into a real holiday,' added Al Ansari. Located in some of Dubai's most sought-after neighbourhoods, Central Hotels & Resorts benefits from strategic locations that offer guests both the escape of a resort and the connectivity of a city stay. Whether it's a last-minute summer weekend or a curated staycation around long weekends and school holidays, the group is positioning itself as the go-to choice for discerning domestic travellers who value both service and setting. This domestic shift has also helped balance seasonality. With international travel often peaking in the winter months, Central's summer performance is increasingly buoyed by UAE residents seeking familiar luxury in a fresh way. 'We expect domestic leisure travel to account for 35 per cent of our total occupancy this summer, up from 28 per cent last year, helping us maintain strong performance even during what was once considered the low season,' said Al Ansari. As Dubai continues to lead the region's tourism recovery with bold initiatives and new attractions, Central Hotels & Resorts is doubling down on its promise to offer personalised, value-driven hospitality for every type of traveller, and particularly for the growing number of UAE residents who no longer need to leave the country to feel like they're on holiday. -Ends- About Central Hotels & Resorts: Launched in 2015, Central Hotels and Resorts – headquartered in Dubai, one of the fastest-growing Hospitality Management companies in the UAE was established to cater, to both leisure and business travellers looking to experience the best of Arabian hospitality in the heart of the city. With the competitive industry comes our continuous expansions, focused on making our service, facilities, and standards distinctive in the Gulf Region. Product diversification and innovation, sound fundamental values, commitment to excellence, quality service and expansion in key destinations are the hallmarks behind Central Hotels' amazing growth. Spread across the Middle East, the group is now poised to conquer other markets. Created and based in Dubai, Central Hotels offers a full spectrum of choice in terms of hotel categories, a comprehensive selection of accommodations, and services to suit all budgets and clientele. For more information, visit
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Swap pricey summer getaways for these UK hidden gems
With the cost of living crisis continuing to hit people's wallets, many travellers are looking to stay closer to home for their summer holidays. Indeed, nearly three-quarters (71%) of Brits say cost is a key factor in choosing staycations over trips abroad, according to Mintel. Meanwhile, many holiday-makers are increasingly concerned about their carbon footprint and looking at alternatives to flying, making staycations popular. To avoid navigating sky-high flight prices, scrambling to find accommodation abroad and having to do lots of background research into potential hidden costs of a foreign trip, here are four 'dupe' holiday locations that channel the vibes of popular – and often pricier – far-flung destinations. 1. Choose Staithes, Yorkshire over Cinque Terre, Italy Italy's Cinque Terre is popular among tourists for its narrow streets, pastel villages and rich history. A slightly quieter and cheaper UK alternative could be Staithes – a charming Yorkshire fishing village with similar coloured cottages, winding cobbled streets and panoramic coastal views. Read more: How to save money on your holiday to Switzerland as Women's EURO 2025 kicks off Enjoy fresh fish and chips after exploring the cliffside along the Cleveland Way or go fossil hunting on the beach when the tide is out. With cheaper accommodation options and free activities such as beach-combing and hikes, Staithes is a lesser-known alternative to the popular Italian staycation. 2. Opt for Fowey, Cornwall instead of Santorini, Greece With its whitewashed houses and turquoise waters, the Greek island of Santorini is a top pick as a honeymoon destination for newlyweds. Fowey in Cornwall is a great alternative for couples looking for a cosy retreat with beautiful sunsets in the UK. With many Instagrammable hotspots, Fowey has a dreamy aesthetic with pastel cottages and estuary walks. For a romantic excursion, you can even kayak to a hidden beach. The peninsula is served by trains arriving at Par, followed by a short bus ride. You can stay at a harbourside Airbnb for a little over £100/night while enjoying a fresh crab sandwich for less than a fiver. 3. Explore Portmeirion, Wales instead of Portofino, Italy Italy's Portofino lures travellers with its luxury yachts and glamorous Riviera atmosphere. For an equally dreamy escape closer to home, head to Portmeirion; a unique Welsh village that feels like the Mediterranean, sandwiched between Snowdonia's mountains and the sea. Portmeirion was designed in the 1920s to mimic an Italian coastal town; it entices visitors with its candy-coloured villas, distinct architecture and hidden gardens. Take a direct train from London Euston to Bangor, then a short 30-minute taxi to Portmeirion. Stay at a quirky cottage for £90/night and stroll the peaceful estuary, explore subtropical woodlands, or relax on the quiet nearby beaches without the crowds of its Italian counterpart. Hike the Gwyllt woodland trails or visit Harlech Castle. To get a taste of Italy, there are also a number of highly-rated gelato spots in Portmeirion. 4. Swap Skye in Scotland for Dungeness, Kent For travellers on a tighter budget who want to experience the dramatic landscapes of Scotland's Isle of Skye, Dungeness in Kent offers a similar sense of peaceful isolation at a fraction of the cost and distance. Both offer dramatic landscapes dotted with decaying fishing boats that seem frozen in time. While Skye has its jagged peaks and peat bogs, Dungeness also offers dramatic contrasts, featuring vast shingle ridges and saline marshes. This part of the Kent coast is also Britain's only desert. Read more: How to save money on a holiday to Dubai Each destination is also known for its rich wildlife, with Skye home to puffins, sea eagles and red deer, while Dungeness has over 600 rare plant species, from samphire to lichens, in its protected wetlands. However, getting to Skye in the Inner Hebrides can be tricky given its remote location and may come with the disadvantage of crowds in peak season, with accommodation costing over £120/night. On the other hand, Dungeness is relatively reachable by train or car from across the UK and seaside Airbnbs can start at £60/night. It's a great dupe for those looking to explore a remote and striking coastal location without the complex in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
7 days ago
- Zawya
UAE travellers prefer smart, soulful getaways this summer
From staycations and slowcations to mystery travel, this year's travel season for UAE residents is being shaped by a mix of value-conscious decisions, wellness-driven escapes and a growing desire for personalisation and privacy, according to a recent survey by leading travel platform The trend includes value-conscious decisions, wellness-driven escapes, and a growing desire for personalisation and privacy, resulting in a booming summer travel season, stated in its Summer Travel Trends Insights," thus revealing a shift in UAE residents' holiday planning.. Top UAE Travel Trends for Summer 2025 Longer Getaways & Townsizing: 35% of UAE travellers are opting for extended stays of a month or more, embracing the 'townsizing' trend — choosing small, picturesque towns over big cities to soak in local culture and slower rhythms. Think of lesser-known gems across Europe and Southeast Asia. The Rise of Detour Destinations: Nearly half (49%) of users are opting for 'detour destinations' — off-the-beaten-path locations that offer unique charm without the crowds particularly in Jordan, which experiences relatively lower temperatures at this time of the year, as well as Morocco – the rising star in travel for the MENA region. This reflects both cost-consciousness and the desire for deeper experiences, from Salalah and Abha's lush landscapes to cultural immersion in Georgia and Armenia. Quick-fix Staycations: Many residents are opting for local staycations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, drawn by shorter travel times and the ease of quick getaways. It's the perfect way to unwind, recharge, and skip the hassle of long-haul travel. Calmcations & Wellness Getaways: Stress-aware travel is on the rise. Wellness-focused 'calmcations' — prioritising rest, spa therapies, clean eating, and nature — are trending. Popular destinations include Bali, Thailand, and wellness resorts in the Philippines & in Kerala. Workcations: Around 30% of travellers are blending work and leisure—heading to cooler regions in Europe and Southeast Asia for productivity and pleasure. 'Travel is no longer just about ticking off destinations — it's now deeply personal, intentional, and often slower,' said Raheesh Babu, COO, . 'UAE travellers are embracing new styles like 'townsizing' and 'calmcations', while also turning to more mindful, meaningful holidays.' '2025 travel is less about location and more about experience,' adds Babu. 'It's where curiosity, calm, and customisation come together.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Telegraph
Exactly what long car journeys do to your body
If you spent your childhood in Britain, you likely have memories of many a car journey: the early starts, the packed lunches, the boots full to the brim. Then there are the hours spent playing I Spy and singing, driving through the countryside, to get to the seaside, holiday camps or visit family. Long car journeys are quintessentially British. And such trips came into their heyday in post-war Britain, when car ownership had become more common and trips abroad were unusual. While the advent of the cheap package holidays to Spain (where good weather is nearly guaranteed) reduced the number of people flooding seaside towns, so-called 'staycations' are in demand for their cost and convenience. However, it does mean hours in the car and the familiar feelings of tiredness, travel sickness and muscle aches that it brings. So, what's actually happening in our bodies, and what can we do to keep in good health during the journey? Tiredness It's common for passengers to nod off on long journeys, but obviously, it is extremely dangerous if the driver succumbs to drowsiness – between 10 and 20 per cent of all crashes are caused by fatigue. 'For the driver, tiredness will eventually kick in,' says Prof Charles Spence, an experimental psychologist at the University of Oxford, who researches car design and how it affects driving. Studies suggest that, beyond just the mental effort of driving, driving can induce sleepiness within 15 minutes due to the natural vibrations of car seats, while the white noise made by the engine, wheels and passing cars is also thought to play a role. 'Several car companies' idea of success in recent years was to design car interiors such that when commuters got home at the end of day, they would just sit in the driveway because the multisensory environment was so comfortable,' Prof Spence says. 'Ultimate comfort might not be ideal for keeping a driver on a long journey in peak state of arousal or alertness.' How to prevent it 'Opening a window to get some fresh air can help,' Prof Spence says. 'But ultimately, presumably, the thing to do is take a break.' Some cars now come with driver drowsiness detection, which makes a loud noise or causes the wheel to vibrate when it senses – by analysing speed, time of day and weather – a driver might be becoming tired. 'Cars can monitor drivers nowadays, but an urgent alert sound may be too unpleasant,' Spence says. Getting enough sleep the night before a long journey is also key. Research shows that drivers who get less than five hours of sleep are just as likely to crash as if they were over the legal limit for alcohol. Motion sickness During a long car journey, around one in three of us will experience the symptoms of motion sickness to some degree, from mild nausea to vomiting that forces us to pull over. It's thought that motion sickness is a result of a sensory mismatch between the movement the body is experiencing (sensed by the inner ear) and the movement that we're seeing (logged by our eyes), explains John Golding, professor of applied psychology at the University of Westminster, who has previously worked with RAF pilots and sailors in the navy to desensitise them to motion sickness. Experts believe the resulting unpleasant symptoms occur because the body believes that this sensory mismatch is a sign that it has been poisoned, he explains. 'In response, the brain tells the stomach to stop moving its contents further through the gut (a protective reflex called gastric stasis) because, according to this poison detector theory, that would be preventing any further poison from being absorbed,' he says. While some people never suffer from queasiness in the car, others reach for a plastic bag on every long car journey. This is a result of an accumulation of risk factors, Prof Golding says. Women are more susceptible than men, as are people who suffer from migraines, and there is a genetic element as well, with research showing that there are 35 genetic markers that contribute to motion sickness. Age is also a factor, with children between eight and 10 most likely to suffer. 'Drivers hardly ever become sick because the car becomes an extension of their body and they control the motions of the car as they steer into curves or brake or accelerate,' Prof Golding notes. 'But for the poor passenger, they're not in control.' How to prevent it 'There are three basic approaches,' Prof Golding explains. The first is to expose yourself enough times so you get used to the sensation – an approach used to desensitise RAF pilots, he says. 'However, that's time-consuming, and if you're not frequently making long car journeys, this might not be the best option for you,' he notes. Another approach is to try behaviours that limit the severity of motion sickness, such as sitting in the front passenger seat and focusing on the road ahead to anticipate the movement, which reduces sensory mismatch, he explains. 'Sitting in the back seat and looking out at flashing scenery as you drive by is no good,' he notes. Some turn to acupressure travel bands (wrist bands with a plastic button attached, which is placed over the centre of the wrist). 'Trials show that they work as well as a placebo, but the placebo effect can be wonderful, so they really do work for some people,' he says. Avoiding looking at your phone, reading a book or moving your head around too much, as this will only worsen the sensory mismatch, Prof Golding says. The third option is anti-sickness drugs. These include hyoscine hydrobromide (sold under brand names including Kwells) and cinnarizine (branded as Stugeron). These work by preventing symptoms and typically need to be taken an hour before you get in the car, Prof Golding notes. 'There's no point in taking it once you start to feel even slightly queasy, as at this point, gastric stasis has already occurred, so you won't be able to absorb it,' he notes. Some companies are developing devices that they hope will target motion sickness. One example is Apple's 'vehicle motion cues', which allows iPhone users to have six static dots on their screen, which, once a person is in a moving car, shift in the direction of travel in a bid to reduce motion sickness. 'It does not provide any anticipation of the motion – it is not a 'warning cue',' Prof Golding notes. 'I would have doubts about the usefulness of this phone software. Especially because it is making the passenger concentrate on looking at the screen. We know that reading, looking down at mobile device screens, tends to exacerbate motion sickness.' It might help some people but will likely make things worse for most, he adds. Gut discomfort Long journeys in the car disrupt our usual routines, throwing our activity levels and eating habits out of whack, which has a knock-on effect on how our gut is feeling. 'People often drink less water when travelling, snack at odd times and disrupt their normal bathroom habits,' notes Dr Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist and dietitian. This isn't helped by the food available at petrol stations and motorway services, which is often ultra-processed convenience food. Additionally, sitting for long periods of time can slow down gut motility for some people, which are the wave-like muscle contractions that move food and waste through your gut, she notes. Each of these factors contributes to sluggishness and can lead to bloating, wind and constipation, Dr Leeming notes. How to prevent it 'Try getting out of the car for regular breaks, go for a short walk or do some stretches every few hours to help stimulate your digestion,' she suggests. 'Take a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.' Dr Leeming also recommends trying to eat your meals at the same time you would if you're not travelling. If you want snacks for the car, nuts and fruit like bananas and apples are great choices, she says. 'They'll keep you feeling full and also provide plenty of fibre and other nutrients.' Tight-fitting clothes, like jeans, dresses and skirts, can put extra pressure on the abdomen, which traps gas and slows digestion, which makes any bloating feel even more uncomfortable. 'So, wear loose-fitting bottoms when you're travelling instead, that have some give around your stomach,' she says. Muscle stiffness Tense shoulders, tight calves and back pain are common grumbles from drivers and passengers during long stints in the car. This is a consequence of remaining in a seated position for too long, though, for drivers, the small adjustments in the neck, shoulders, arms, lower back and lower limbs that our bodies make while behind the wheel is also a factor, explains Prof Lee Smith, a professor of public health at Anglia Ruskin University, who has expertise in sedentary behaviour. 'Sitting for too long, particularly in a position that is not aligned with the natural curves of our spine, can contribute to a number of musculoskeletal problems,' he adds. These include lower back pain and stiffness, neck tension, shoulder strain and lower limb fatigue and stiffness from operating pedals, as well as sciatica-like symptoms from poor hip positioning. How to prevent it Prof Smith recommends scheduling a break in your drive every two hours, giving yourself and your passengers enough time to stretch and have a short walk. Passengers can also stretch out their neck, arms and legs while in the car. Additionally, the Royal Automobile Club recommends checking your driving set-up to prevent muscle stiffness, aches and pains. You can do this by making sure the seat is upright at around a 100-degree angle; ensuring your head is centred in the middle of your headrest; adjusting wing and rear-view mirrors so you don't need to twist to see out of them; and making sure your back and shoulders touch the backrest when your hands are on the steering wheel. Poor blood flow Beyond our muscles, sitting for too long can also lead to problems with blood flow, says Prof Smith. 'It can contribute to the prevention of effective circulation of blood through our bodies, and this can cause blood to pool in the veins of the legs,' he says. 'Sitting uninterrupted for long periods of time can ultimately cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that forms in a vein,' he says. Normally, blood flows through the veins, helped by movement in your muscles. However, if you are seated for too long (typically four hours or more), the flow of blood can slow down and pool in the veins, causing a clot to form, which either partially or completely blocks a vein. Common symptoms include swelling and pain but there may be no signs of a clot. 'The clot can break free and travel to the lungs, causing a sudden blockage of arteries in the lung, known as a pulmonary embolism,' Prof Smith explains. 'Although serious, these types of blood clots are rare.' How to prevent it When in the car for three hours or more, the NHS recommends taking breaks where possible to walk around, as well as wearing loose-fitting clothing that doesn't prevent blood flow, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol. While typically associated with long-haul flights, compression socks can be worn on long car journeys to encourage blood circulation. 'If a passenger in the vehicle, exercise your calf muscles and exercise your legs while sitting,' Prof Smith recommends. 'For example, you could raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, raise and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the floor, and tighten and release your leg muscles.'
