U By Emaar’s ‘The Summer of You’ campaign adds value to staycations in Dubai

As staycation season kicks in, Dubai is the favourite leisure destination in the UAE according to a new online survey of more than 1,000 UAE residents commissioned by Emaar Hospitality Group and conducted by YouGov. 

The word ‘staycation’ refers to a vacation taken in the country of residence. In the UAE, staycations are gaining ground as the survey, which was conducted ahead of the recent launch of the U By Emaar rewards programme, reveals.

A good 63% of respondents voted Dubai as their preferred leisure destination with the staycation serving as a hassle-free, cost-effective option when looking for a quick getaway or a last minute weekend break.

Staycations are most popular among Western expatriates with 80% polled stating they take one at least once a year compared to 59% Emiratis and 55% Asian expatriates.

On average, 59% of UAE residents take a staycation at least once a year and 62% of over 35-year-olds opted for staycations compared with 55% of those below the age of 35.

The survey also revealed interesting lifestyle habits of people relating to staycations with 68% choosing to take a staycation to spend quality time with loved ones, and 40% stating they take staycations with family.

Some 32% take a staycation 4 to 6 times a year, while 21% take a staycation at least two times every year. Further, 34% of 18 to 24-year-olds take staycations to spend time with friends, while 36% females do so to pamper themselves.

The top activity during a staycation is enjoying a dining experience according to 49% respondents, while 40% use the pool and sauna and 34% voted for visiting tourist attractions and going shopping. The key factors in choosing which hotel to stay, as well as choosing where to return, were value for money, special offers, and consistently good food and service.

Nearly half of those who enjoy staycations said that the top reason they choose a particular hotel is value for money while 53% of the respondents in the 55 to 64-year-old category cited excellent customer service as the second most important factor.

Emaar Hospitality Group is drawing on the findings to offer excellent value for its guests this summer enabling them to enjoy memorable staycations in Dubai.

This is underlined by ‘The Summer of You’ campaign, whereby U By Emaar members stand to gain a wealth of benefits every time they stay, dine or play at various entities of Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Entertainment until 30 September, 2016.

U By Emaar members now have the opportunity to multiply the points they earn tenfold and also have the opportunity to win a free year-long stay in a one-bedroom apartment at The Address Residences Boulevard Dubai, scheduled to open later this year.

Additionally, Emaar’s hotel brands – The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts – are also offering high-value staycation deals. Guests who book for two nights or more at any of the four premium luxury lifestyle hotels will receive a stay credit of up to AED 1,000, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi and tickets to popular Emaar Entertainment attractions including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Reel Cinemas, KidZania®, SEGA Republic, Dubai Ice Rink and NJOI. Guests at the upscale boutique Vida Hotels and Resorts who stay for two nights or more receive 25% off best available rate, up to 25 percent off dining and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel during their stay.