Minor Hotels has reported a sharp rebound in travel demand across the Middle East, with bookings accelerating in the second half of June as traveller confidence returned across key regional and international markets. The hotel group said room-night bookings increased by 143% in the last full week of June compared with previous weeks, with most of the new demand already booked for the third quarter of 2026.
The company, which operates 26 hotels and resorts across the Middle East, also recorded a significant recovery in wholesale bookings and stronger forward pricing. The latest figures point to renewed confidence in the region as both leisure and business travellers return following a period of weaker demand.
Minor Hotels said wholesale demand, which had been heavily affected by recent events, rose by 575% during the same period. The increase was driven by international source markets including the UK, Germany and Russia, indicating that overseas travellers are once again booking trips to destinations across the Middle East.
The recovery is also reflected in future room rates. The group’s on-the-books average daily rate (ADR) for the third quarter is currently pacing 17.1% ahead of the same period in 2025, suggesting the company has maintained pricing strength while demand continues to improve.
Domestic tourism also played an important role in the latest results. Minor Hotels said staycations and travel within the Gulf Cooperation Council helped deliver a record-breaking Eid Al Adha period, with revenue rising 23% compared with Eid Al Adha in 2025.
The performance highlights the growing importance of regional travel alongside international arrivals. Demand from residents travelling within their own countries and neighbouring Gulf destinations continues to support hotel occupancy during key holiday periods.
Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East and Africa at Minor Hotels, said the company remained confident in the region’s long-term tourism outlook.
“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,” said Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East and Africa at Minor Hotels.
Minor Hotels currently operates 26 properties across the Middle East under the Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, Tivoli and Oaks brands. The portfolio includes city hotels, beach resorts and luxury properties serving both international visitors and regional travellers.
The company is also continuing to expand its presence across the region. Its development pipeline includes the recently signed Sharjah Collection in the United Arab Emirates, which will add seven nature-led and heritage-inspired properties to its Middle East portfolio.
The latest performance figures reinforce the resilience of the Middle East’s hospitality sector as travel demand strengthens ahead of the third quarter. Rising bookings, improving international demand and sustained domestic travel are providing a positive outlook for hotels across the region while supporting continued investment in new destinations and hospitality projects.
