Ramadan’s Impact on Middle East Hotel Occupancy and Travel Trends :: Hospitality Trends

• Middle East hotel markets typically slow during Ramadan, with the Holy Month overlapping with the high season due to its annual shift.
• Despite the general slowdown, pilgrimage to Makkah and Medina for Umrah boosts market occupancy during Ramadan.

Middle Eastern hotel markets traditionally experience a slowdown during Ramadan, the Islamic Holy Month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The pace of life changes to accommodate participants’ fasts, leading to decreased travel activities. However, this year, Ramadan coincides with the Middle East’s high tourist season…