The festive period is a busy time for the hospitality industry in the UAE, with hotels and restaurants often seeing an increase in demand as people travel to visit family and friends or celebrate the holidays. According to data from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the number of tourists visiting Dubai during the festive period has consistently increased over the past several years, with more than 2.75 million visitors expected each year and growing.

As a result, it is important for hotels and restaurants in the UAE to understand how the festive period influences guest expectations and be prepared to meet those expectations in order to provide a positive guest experience.

The 3 main guest expectations

One of the main ways in which the festive period influences guest expectations in the UAE is through an increase in the desire for a festive atmosphere. Many people view the festive period as a time to relax and celebrate, and they expect hotels and restaurants to contribute to this festive atmosphere. This can include decorating the establishment with holiday-themed decorations, playing festive music, and offering special festive menus or cocktails.

Another way in which the festive period influences guest expectations in the UAE is through an increase in the demand for gift-giving and gift-wrapping services. Many hotels and restaurants in the UAE offer gift certificates or other gift items, such as branded merchandise or holiday-themed items, that guests can purchase as gifts for friends and family. Some establishments may also offer gift-wrapping services to make it easier for guests to give these gifts to their loved ones. This is also a great way to drive some extra revenue during the busy period while creating maximum value for your guests.

In addition to an increase in the demand for a festive atmosphere and gift-giving services, the festive period in the UAE also often leads to an increase in the demand for special events and activities. Many hotels and restaurants in the UAE host special holiday events, such as Christmas dinners, New Year's Eve parties, or other festive celebrations. These events can be a great way to attract guests and create a festive atmosphere, but they also require careful planning and coordination to ensure that they run smoothly.

Things to consider

One important consideration for hotels and restaurants in the UAE during the festive period is managing the expectations of guests who are traveling for the holidays. Many people have specific expectations about the type of accommodations they will receive when they travel, and these expectations can be particularly high during the festive period.

It is important for hotels and restaurants in the UAE to clearly communicate their amenities and services, as well as any restrictions or limitations, in order to manage guest expectations and avoid disappointments.

Another important consideration for hotels and restaurants in the UAE during the festive period is managing the increased demand for services and accommodations. With an increase in the number of people traveling and celebrating the holidays, there may be a higher demand for hotel rooms and restaurant reservations.

It is important for establishments in the UAE to have a plan in place to handle this increased demand, including having enough staff on hand to accommodate the additional guests and ensuring that there is enough space and resources to meet the needs of all guests.

Overall, the festive period can be a busy and rewarding time for the hospitality industry in the UAE, but it is important for hotels and restaurants to be prepared to meet the increased guest expectations that come with the holiday season.

By offering a festive atmosphere, gift-giving and gift-wrapping services, and special events and activities, and by managing guest expectations and the increased demand for services and accommodations, hotels and restaurants in the UAE can provide a positive guest experience and make the festive period a success.