(MENAFN – Khaleej Times)
Posted: Fri 11 Feb 2022, 20:00
As February 14 approaches, Dubai is set to transform into a lovers’ paradise as it celebrates the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day. Easier Covid restrictions, along with high vaccination rates in the UAE, led restaurants, hotels, cafes and resorts to make the day memorable.
There was also a 60% increase in hospitality-related activities, compared to the previous year.
With packages to suit all, residents and tourists will be spoiled for choice when it comes to planning the perfect date, from relaxing times at resorts and hotels to sumptuous dining. from all over the city. The entire hospitality industry is eagerly awaiting the big day.
Sanjay Vazirani, CMD, Foodlink Global Restaurants and Catering services LLC, said special days such as Valentine’s Day give them the opportunity to build very successful relationships with customers.
“Holidays and special days increase consumer spending during a very short window of opportunity.”
“At India Bistro, we offer a special menu at the WTC and Sharjah outlets, as well as special arrangements and competitions at all outlets,” he added.
Eti Bhasin, owner of Dhaba Lane, agreed that the day was truly a special time to cater to couples.
“With the easing of restrictions imposed by the UAE, the hospitality sector in general will benefit, from all-inclusive hotel packages to offers at F&B outlets for couples, this would further increase revenue.”
Hoteliers are not only preparing to decorate the premises, but also plan to make their hotels more colorful in other ways. Menus on the theme of Valentine’s Day have been developed, in keeping with the spirit of the holiday.
Hari Kaimal, CEO of Goldmead Hospitality Services, said: “Everything that can represent and show love is found around our site…from heart-shaped balloons and confetti to the red colored uniforms that our staff wear. It is not only the ambience but also the menu that has been prepared and named according to the themes of love.
Rayyan Rizvi, General Manager of Yoko Sizzlers, confirms that “there will be candles, roses and balloons to set the mood, and of course mouth-watering treats to make it special for you and your partner on sizzling dishes tempting”.
According to Vazirani, market research indicated that 20-30% of people liked to eat out with their loved ones on these days, making it a big deal.
“About 10-12% of men and women are also known to use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to get together with friends and family.”
People think Dubai is the perfect city to celebrate the day of love, due to easier Covid-19 restrictions, high vaccination rates and Expo 2020.
Bhasin further explained that compared to the previous year, 2022 seems to be better, in terms of business growth.
“It’s not just because of occasions like Valentine’s Day, but also with Expo 2020 happening at that time as well, we’ve seen the last quarter give us a 30% increase in sales, per compared to the 4th quarter of last year”,
Kaimal said he hoped to see more visitors with the ease of the restrictions and the success rate at which the vaccination was administered.
“We have received many inquiries regarding Valentine’s Day plans due to our panoramic view of the Dubai skyline, which with the setting sun can turn out to be the perfect romantic rooftop.”
Say it with flowers AP file photo
Each year, during the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, Emirates SkyCargo also transports some of the most popular gifts distributed on this day. The top 5 commodities transported on Emirates SkyCargo during this period are flowers, chocolates, luxury perfumes, watches/jewelry and electronic gadgets.
Flowers in general and roses in particular are by far the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts. In January 2022, more than 3,000 tonnes of flowers, freshly grown in various countries, were transported by Emirates SkyCargo across the planet.
Chocolates, another universal favourite, are a popular gift option not only for Valentine’s Day but for other celebrations as well. Emirates SkyCargo transported over 150 tonnes of premium chocolate across the globe in January and February 2022, with a sharp increase the week before Valentine’s Day.
Perfumes are also popular gifts in the weeks leading up to the big day. In the last week of January alone, Emirates SkyCargo transported over 200 tonnes of luxury fragrances from cities in France, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands to the rest of the world, just in time. to stock retail shelves for Valentine’s Day itself.
Watches, jewelry and other expensive accessories are also favorite gifts for special occasions.
Last (but certainly not least), electronics, especially cell phones and tablets, are in high demand as Valentine’s Day gifts, with shipments experiencing a rush in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. .
Special Treats Stock Photo
Many cafes and restaurants offer interesting offers that can make your Valentine’s Day memorable. Special dinners, drinks and cocktail menus are offered at Dh299 (per couple), up to Dh1500.
Many restaurants, such as Señor Pico Restaurant, Level 43 Sky Lounge by Four Points Sheikh Zayed Road, Fogueira Restaurant and Lounge, Masterchef, The TV Experience, Ikigai Resto + Bar, Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery, The Blacksmith Bar and Eatery, The St Regis Dubai, The Palm and many more offer special gifts for people celebrating the day.
Some hotels have developed romantic stay packages for couples, from 1,500 Dh up to 35,000 Dh. The Ritz Carlton DIFC has promised a memorable and romantic package, starting from 1,795 Dh, which goes up to 35,000 Dh.
With so much love in the air, Dubai is really bringing out the spirit of Valentine’s Day and the importance of giving love during the pandemic.
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