As travel patterns across the Gulf continue to evolve, the UAE hospitality sector is witnessing a significant shift in demand dynamics. Eid holidays, extended weekends, and the growing preference for shorter regional getaways are reshaping occupancy trends, booking behaviours, and revenue strategies across the industry. In an exclusive conversation with Travel Daily Media, Thomas Kurian, General Manager of LEVA Hotels, discusses how changing traveller preferences, geopolitical influences, and increasing demand for flexibility are redefining traditional seasonality and prompting hotels to adopt more agile, data-driven approaches to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): Kindly elaborate on Eid periods and extended weekends becoming key demand triggers, driving occupancy and redefining traditional seasonality in the UAE hospitality sector

 Thomas Kurian (TK): Eid holidays and extended weekends have become some of the strongest demand drivers for the UAE hospitality sector, particularly as regional travellers increasingly prioritise shorter and more frequent leisure trips throughout the year. What we are seeing today is a shift away from traditional seasonality patterns, where demand was once concentrated around specific tourism peaks. Instead, occupancy is becoming more evenly distributed across multiple holiday windows, creating new opportunities for hotels to drive consistent performance beyond the conventional high season.

For many travellers across the GCC, these holiday periods offer an accessible opportunity to unwind without committing to long international travel plans. The UAE continues to benefit from its strong connectivity, safety, lifestyle offerings, and wide range of hospitality experiences, making it an attractive destination for quick getaways during public holidays and long weekends.

 TDM: Given the geopolitical situation, are GCC travellers increasingly replacing long-haul holidays with shorter, more frequent regional getaways?

 TK: Yes, there is a noticeable shift towards regional travel, particularly as travellers seek greater flexibility, convenience, and predictability in their plans. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in certain markets has encouraged many GCC travellers to opt for destinations closer to home where travel feels more manageable and less disruptive.

Shorter regional getaways also align well with evolving lifestyle preferences. Travellers today are placing greater value on convenience, ease of access, and the ability to take multiple breaks throughout the year rather than planning one extended holiday. The UAE is well positioned to benefit from this trend because it offers a diverse hospitality landscape that caters to families, couples, business travellers, and younger audiences looking for quick leisure experiences.

TDM: How is changing consumer behaviour among GCC travellers reshaping hotel booking patterns in the UAE? Are you seeing shorter booking windows and more spontaneous travel decisions around Eid and public holiday periods?

TK: Consumer behaviour has become far more dynamic and flexible compared to previous years. We are seeing booking windows shorten significantly, especially around Eid holidays and long weekends, where many travellers are making decisions much closer to their intended stay dates. Mobile driven bookings and instant access to travel deals have also contributed to more spontaneous planning behaviour.

Travellers are actively comparing options in real time and are highly responsive to value-driven offers, flexible cancellation policies, and personalised experiences. This means hotels must remain agile in how they manage inventory, pricing, and promotions, particularly during peak holiday periods where booking momentum can accelerate very quickly.

TDM: How are hotels adjusting pricing strategies to remain competitive during high-demand holiday windows?

TK: Hotels are becoming more strategic and data-driven in their pricing approaches to balance occupancy growth with long term customer value. During high-demand periods, competitive pricing remains important, but travellers are increasingly evaluating the overall experience and added value alongside room rates.

At LEVA Hotels, we are seeing strong engagement with flexible stay offers and experience-led packages that cater to regional travellers looking for convenience, comfort, and value during holiday periods. Across the industry, many operators are focusing on curated stay packages, family offers, dining inclusions, and flexible booking benefits to strengthen appeal during peak travel windows. There is also a growing emphasis on dynamic pricing models that allow hotels to respond more efficiently to changing demand patterns and booking behaviour.

TDM: How are UAE hotel operators building resilience in a more fluid and unpredictable demand environment?

 TK: Resilience today comes from adaptability. Hotel operators are focusing on greater operational flexibility, stronger use of data insights, and more diversified guest segments to navigate changing demand patterns more effectively. There is also a stronger focus on domestic and regional tourism, which helps reduce reliance on any single source market. At the same time, operators are investing in personalised guest experiences and agile revenue management strategies to respond quickly to market shifts. Flexibility has also become an important part of the guest experience, with hotels increasingly offering services such as early check-in and late departure options to better accommodate evolving traveller needs. The ability to remain responsive while maintaining service quality will continue to be a defining factor for hospitality businesses operating in a rapidly evolving environment.