LONDON: The tourist hotspots of Abu Dhabi and Dubai can now be cheaper than the Mediterranean resorts traditionally favored by British holidaymakers, a study has found.
A family of four could save hundreds of pounds in choosing to sunbathe in the UAE rather than a Spanish resort, said a study by price-comparison website TravelSupermarket.
A holiday to Menorca during May half-term week is 144 percent more expensive than Abu Dhabi, 89 percent more than Dubai and 53 percent pricier than Florida, it said.
An equivalent three-star, seven-day holiday during half term week from the UK to the Costa del Sol — traditionally seen as the ultimate cheap getaway for sun-starved Brits — is now up to 64 percent more expensive than a trip to the UAE and 11 percent pricier than a trip to Florida in the US.
Oman is also offering better prices from the UK than many of the Western Med destinations, with seven-night packages available from around £412 ($584) each to Muscat, with flights from Heathrow and three-star accommodation included.
The price disparity is a symptom of the “huge demand” for Mediterranean destinations such as Minorca and Ibiza, which have gained as holidaymakers have shunned north Africa and parts of Turkey over terrorism concerns, the report said.
Parts of the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman, are cheaper than western European hotspots, partly due to a surge in the number of hotels and attractions, it said.
Emma Coulthurst, travel expert for TravelSupermarket, said higher holiday prices to Spain and lower demand to the US, plus a weakened dollar are creating a “perfect price scenario” for British families.
“Many Spanish hoteliers have been putting up their prices following a bumper years in 2016 and 2017. This year, package holiday prices to Spain tend to be higher than many other short-haul options — across the summer, prices are coming up cheaper to Turkey, Italy and France than Spain,” she said.
“Also, the euro exchange rate means you don’t get as much holiday spending money for meals out and attractions. And even if it has at last been improving over the last week, there is no knowing how it will be as Brexit negotiations continue this year,” Coulthurst added.
Desert sun: Holidays to the UAE
- 4* Jumeira Rotana Hotel, Dubai: $440 (room and breakfast, flights from London Gatwick)
- 4* Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi: $452 (room only, flights from Birmingham)
Med bound: Comparable deals in Minorca
- 3* Apartamentos Lentiscos in Cala’n Forcat: From $1042 (Flights from Birmingham)
- 3* self-catering Apartamentos Annabel’s in Cala Galdana: From $780 (From London Gatwick)
* For a seven-day stay, flying May 26
Source: TravelSupermarket
