Hotels maintain room rates and provide flexible booking options as travel disruptions impact travelers.
Dubai: Hotels across the UAE are focusing on guest safety, maintaining stable rates, and offering flexible bookings amid travel disruptions affecting passengers in the region.
Several hotel groups said they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with authorities to keep operations running smoothly while assisting travelers whose plans have been impacted.
Guest safety
Hotel groups contacted by Gulf News emphasized that the wellbeing of both guests and staff remains their top priority.
Tim Cordon, COO for the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group, said, ‘At our core, we are in the business of taking care of people. That remains our primary focus, and it is exactly what we continue to do today.
He added, ‘We understand that recent events have caused flight cancellations, delays, and uncertainty for many travelers. During this period, our priority has been to respond with empathy, flexibility, and care, ensuring guests feel supported every step of the way.
“The hotel group said it is collaborating with authorities across its markets and welcomed the prompt response of governments, including the UAE.”
“Stable room rates
Hotels are taking measures to keep pricing fair despite travel disruptions.
Cordon noted that Radisson Hotel Group has locked existing room rates to prevent sudden increases.”
“‘From the start, we decided to lock in existing room rates to ensure consistency and prevent profiteering. Our approach has been clear: to welcome all guests, provide reassurance, and maintain fair, responsible pricing while carefully managing occupancy,’ Cordon said.
Travelers affected by disruptions can also take advantage of flexible options, including amendments, cancellations, and refunds where applicable.”
Business continuity
Hospitality operators say they have contingency plans in place to ensure hotels continue operating smoothly.”
Victor Abou Ghanem, CEO of Story Hospitality, said the UAE continues to be a safe and stable destination.
‘Even during periods of regional tension, Abu Dhabi and the UAE remain among the safest and most stable destinations globally, which underpins our business continuity,’ Ghanem said.
We are combining robust contingency planning with flexible staffing, diversified source markets, and strong partnerships with owners to keep operations running as smoothly as possible under the current circumstances,’ he added.
He noted that hotels are maintaining clear communication with guests while adjusting sales strategies in response to changing flight routes.”
In the short term, our focus is on clear communication with guests, safeguarding the on-property experience, and adjusting our sales mix as flight routes continue to change. In the medium term, we rely on data and AI-driven revenue tools to rebalance demand, optimize distribution, and manage costs,’ he said.”
Staycation interest
Hotels note that travel uncertainty often drives more residents to opt for local holidays.
Ghanem reported that early signs of increased interest have already been observed at Story Hospitality’s UAE properties.”
When there is uncertainty around regional airspace or flight schedules, we typically see more residents opting to ‘holiday at home.’ In our UAE portfolio, we have already noticed increased interest in staycations at Al Maya Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, which offers a secluded and relaxing out-of-the-city experience. We expect demand to grow further as the new holiday break dates approach,’ Ghanem said.
However, the company noted that domestic tourism alone cannot fully replace international arrivals.
Domestic and regional tourism act as important shock absorbers, but they do not fully compensate for the absence of international visitors.
Responsible pricing
Hotels say they are carefully managing pricing strategies to balance occupancy and long-term value.
In this environment, responsible pricing is essential. We are not engaging in a race to the bottom. Our approach is to maintain rate integrity where demand is strong, while offering targeted promotions on specific dates or room types where demand softens. The focus is on sustainable profitability, not short-term volume at any cost,’ operators said.
They added that, in some cases, hotels may prioritise remaining active on particularly disrupted dates while safeguarding their long-term market positioning.
Supporting stranded travelers
Hotels said they are collaborating with airline partners to assist passengers affected by travel disruptions.
When flight schedules are disrupted, we work closely with select carriers and travel partners to accommodate affected passengers where availability allows, always within clear commercial and service frameworks. Since the conflict began, The H Dubai has hosted several stranded passengers as well as a full crew,’ Ghanem said.
The company added that its properties remain prepared to support the broader travel ecosystem, including transit passengers and families whose trips have been unexpectedly extended.
Emergency preparedness
InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay has set up a makeshift emergency shelter in its basement parking area as a precaution.
The space is designed to support the local community if protection becomes necessary amid the current situation.
Our focus is entirely on preparedness and ensuring we are ready to assist our neighbors should the need arise,’ said Mohamed Mahmoud, Cluster General Manager of InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay.
This initiative reflects the resilience of the Dubai and UAE community. It is a moment to demonstrate how people come together in times of need, and we are proud to provide a sanctuary that embodies that spirit of unity.
The hotel stated that the facility is available not only to guests but also to members of the public who may need a safe space in the Business Bay area.
Hotels emphasized that they will continue to monitor developments closely, maintain contact with authorities, and prioritize guest safety and support.
