Minor Hotels, which operates 26 properties across the Middle East region, has recorded a 143 per cent increase in room-night bookings in the last full week of June.
Minor Hotels has recorded a sharp rebound in Middle East travel demand, pointing to renewed traveller confidence across the region.
The group reports room-night bookings rising 143 per cent and international wholesale bookings up 575 per cent in the last week of June, “a signal that the region is moving back into a growth phase”.
Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa chief operating officer Amir Golbarg says, “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.”
Minor Hotels operates a broad Middle East portfolio spanning the United Arab Emirates and wider Gulf, across brands including Anantara, Avani, NH and Tivoli.
The announcement comes as Qatar Airways is set to return to Canberra later this year, completing the restoration of its Australian network after multiple routes were suspended during the Middle East conflict.
The Doha-based airline will return to the nation’s capital from 8 December, initially flying four times per week between Doha and Canberra (via Melbourne in each direction) before ramping up to daily flights in March 2027.
For more information, visit Minor Hotels.
KARRYON UNPACKS: A near-sixfold jump in wholesale bookings is the number that matters here: it points to trade and international sellers, not just direct guests, putting the Middle East back on the map. For advisors selling Gulf stopovers and standalone luxury stays, it is an early read that demand is firming across the region.
