Minor Hotels reported a 143% increase in Middle East hotel bookings during the final full week of June 2026 compared with previous weeks, according to data released by the group. The surge was supported by wholesale demand, intra-GCC travel and stronger third-quarter pricing.
The hotel group, which operates 26 properties across the region under the Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, Tivoli and Oaks brands, said most of the additional bookings were for stays during the third quarter of 2026, indicating a recovery in forward demand.
Wholesale bookings increased by 575% during the same period, a segment that had been heavily affected by recent events. Demand began returning from international source markets including the UK, Germany and Russia.
Forward pricing remained above the previous year’s level. On-the-books average daily rate for the third quarter was pacing 17.1% ahead of the corresponding period in 2025.
Regional demand also supported performance during Eid Al Adha. Minor Hotels reported that revenue during the holiday period increased by 23% compared with Eid Al Adha in 2025, supported by domestic and intra-regional travel demand.
Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels, said: “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.”
The group also has a pipeline of new properties across the region. Its recent signing of the Sharjah Collection in the United Arab Emirates will add seven nature-led and heritage-inspired properties to its portfolio.
Why it matters
The sharp rebound in wholesale bookings and forward pricing suggests that the Middle East hotel market is regaining momentum after a period of disruption. For tour operators and bedbanks, the 575% jump in wholesale demand signals renewed appetite from key European source markets, while the 17.1% ADR increase indicates that pricing power is returning. Minor Hotels’ continued investment in new properties and brands underscores long-term confidence in the region’s tourism trajectory, which could influence distribution strategies and contracting cycles for the upcoming seasons.
