Over 67 per cent of UAE travellers say their holidays start by the time they reach the airport, according to a travel habits survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Emirates Leisure Retail and Dubai Airports.

Matthew Horobin, director – Brand Engagement, Dubai Airports, said: “The YouGov survey is further evidence that the airport experience is a fundamental part of the holiday experience, which is why we’re constantly introducing new and exciting ways to engage, entertain and delight our passengers. It also revealed that some passengers are unaware of many of Dubai International’s more recent facilities and services, like the dedicated Kids’ Zone to let children blow off steam, and a major upgrade to provide the world’s best airport wi-fi. Combined with the amazing special offers this summer, there are plenty of reasons for passengers to arrive early and get their holidays off to a flyer.”

With the new finding in mind, Dubai Airports and Emirates Leisure Retail launched a joint initiative Early Birds Have More Fun which helps travellers kick-start their summer holidays at Dubai International (DXB) with discounts at a range of world class restaurants, as well as live entertainment and competitions for all the family.

Passengers can now make use of the Early Birds offers by downloading them from www.earlybirdshavemorefun.com. Discounts include up to 25 per cent off at Emirates Leisure Retail’s diverse range of restaurants, as well as up to 25 per cent off spa treatments at Be Relax and a chance to win a family trip to The Residence Maldives by Cenizaro from dnata Travel. Over the peak summer travel period, the airport will also feature live performances as part of Dubai Airports’ ongoing musicDXB initiative.
 
When it comes to airport dining, 36 per cent of respondents say they don’t take advantage of the 150 restaurants at Dubai International. Almost a third (30 per cent) of those passengers say it’s because they don’t have enough time, while 23 per cent say they aren’t sure what options are on offer.
 
Shemaine Jones, head of marketing at Emirates Leisure Retail, said: “Our belief is that airport dining should positively add to your travel experience – be it for business or pleasure. Our menus and outlets are designed to offer choice and I think most passengers would be pleasantly surprised at how quickly we can deliver world-class food and drink, be that at Pret A Manger, giraffe, Jack’s Bar and Grill, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Noodle House or Costa Coffee.”
 
Horobin added: “Passengers can get all the details about the early birds offers on the dedicated microsite, while our main website dubaiairports.ae is a go-to guide for all of the airport’s services and experiences, as well as flight tracking and booking tools. This summer, we can safely say that early birds have more fun at Dubai International.”
 
The YouGov survey, which polled 501 UAE residents, also found that 65 per cent of respondents create an airport shopping list before leaving home, with the most popular items for purchase including sunglasses (51 per cent), toiletries (40 per cent) and books (35 per cent). Some 45 per cent of travellers say they mistakenly leave items at home, which the most commonly forgotten items including travel plug adapters, mobile phone chargers, toothbrushes and sunglasses. - TradeArabia News Service