Travel Confidence Returns: Minor Hotels Reports Sharp Rise in Middle East Bookings :: Hospitality Trends

• Weekly room-night bookings rise 143% in last week of June
• International wholesale bookings up 575% over same period
• Record-breaking Eid Al Abha with +23% rooms revenue compared to last year 

Minor Hotels is reporting a strong rebound in travel demand across the Middle East, with bookings accelerating sharply in the second half of June as traveller confidence returned across key international and regional markets.

Minor, which operates 26 properties across the region, recorded a 143% increase in room-night bookings in the last full week of June compared with previous weeks, with the majority of pickup arriving for the third quarter.

The group also reported a significant uplift in wholesale demand which had been heavily impacted by recent events, increasing 575% in the same period, from international markets including UK, Germany and Russia.

Forward-looking pricing is also showing resilience, with on-the-books average daily rate (ADR) in the third quarter currently pacing 17.1% ahead of the same period last year.

Staycation demand and intra GCC travel contributed to a record-breaking Eid Al Abha with revenue increasing 23% versus Eid Al Abha in 2025, demonstrating the strength of domestic demand.

Our confidence in the Middle East has never wavered. Travellers are eager to resume both business and leisure travel across the region, and we’re seeing strong momentum heading into Q3 2026. What’s particularly encouraging is that this demand is returning while we continue to maintain pricing discipline and focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. At the same time, we continue to invest in the region’s long-term future through new hotel signings, market entries and the expansion of our brand portfolio, reflecting our confidence in the strength and resilience of Middle East tourism. Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Africa, Minor Hotels