Dubai continues to be the top favourite destination among GCC travellers during the festive season, followed by Abu Dhabi, UAE and Madinah, Saudi Arabia, new data showed.

According to data released by HotelsCombined.com, a leading hotel price comparison website, the top five travelers coming to GCC are from Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, South Africa and Russia.

On the international level, London maintains its position as the most popular destination followed by Istanbul and Paris, according to the number of bookings and visitors gathered from December 22 to January 2, 2018.

Dubai attracts more than 14 million tourists in one year, making the city one of the 10 tourist hotspots in the world. The city that never sleeps has so much to offer such as the most extravagant malls on earth, as well as luxurious hotels and miles of unspoiled beaches. Apart from hosting an array of shopping extravaganzas every now and then, Dubai offers visitors the best big city experiences and continues to lure travelers with its promise of luxury, glamorous attractions and first-class restaurants.

Amer Alhalabi, regional manager Mena, HotelsCombined said: “Destinations like Dubai and London are very popular among travellers during the festive season as it is easy to get visas to these countries. Dubai itself is a popular attraction for youngsters, families and couples; and is also a hub for travellers heading to other destinations outside the Middle East.”

“Dubai helps you balance between the frenzy of shopping, parties, and family time and we are here to help you find the best and affordable rates in which to cap off another great year,” said Alhalabi.

According to the report, the most popular hotels in the top locations include Roda Amwaj Suites Jumeirah Beach Residence Dubai in Dubai, The Cumberland - A Guoman Hotel in London, Hilton Istanbul Bomonti in Istanbul, Sheraton Al Khalidiya Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Millennium Taiba Hotel Madinah in Saudi Arabia and Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel in Paris.

During the festive season, London hits the highest average price per room which is $200, while Dubai’s average price is $176, Paris $142, Abu Dhabi $104, Madinah $62 and Istanbul $57.

The top five hotels by leads in GCC were all noticeable in Dubai such as Atlantis The Palm, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Shangri La Hotel Dubai, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates and Golden Sands Hotel Apartments.

Meanwhile, Atlantis The Palm leads the top five hotels by bookings in GCC, followed by Pullman Zamzam Makkah in Mecca, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Shangri La Hotel Dubai and Gloria Hotel Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service