It goes without say that technology is changing how we do things and tourism has not been left behind. In Kenya for example, the wide access to smartphones and internet connectivity has made it possible for travelers to make use of technology to check an attractions rating before traveling or comparing best rates, checking the availability of attractions and booking for hotels before one travels, everything has been made easier.
Some cities like Dubai make use of technology and take it a step further with the use of specialized apps that make your travel experience easier. These apps allow you to gain access to offers and discounts throughout the city and thanks to them, you always know where the discounts are being offered, allowing you and your family to have a fun filled time.
Below are some of the apps and loyalty card offers that are making a buzz in Dubai this summer.
SunSational app
The smartphone app is created by Meraas, the developer behind some of Dubai’s most popular attractions including City Walk, The Beach, Boxpark, The Outlet Village, Al Seef and La Mer.
The easy to use SunSational app, downloaded from the Google Play and iTunes store, is split into five easy sections – Play, Unwind, Dine, Shop, and Services – so users can get the most out of the deals they want at the locations that suit them.
The app allows visitors to Dubai to access more than 200 offers, from discounts on your favourite dishes at great restaurants, deals on outdoor and gym-based activities, and even money off your bill when shopping at some of the biggest brand name stores.
isme by Jumeriah app
The app is offered by International hotel company Jumeirah, and it allows great discounts at its spas, restaurants, family attractions and hotels across the emirate.
The isme by Jumeriah app is available in the Google Play and iTunes store. All you need to do is download the app, enroll with your contact details and scroll through the offers to find the best deals for you.
Offers for new members include 10 percent off a host of famous Jumeirah spa treatments, hotel stays and dining options as well as 15 percent off entry to Wild Wadi Waterpark for a member and up to four guests.
The offers in the isme by Jumeriah app are open to everyone, although users have the option of paying an annual fee to become an elite member which comes with special features and bigger discounts. As a bonus, Jumeirah Sirus members can also collect points each time they use the isme by Jumeriah app.
The Dubai Mall
With over 1,200 outlets in it, Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world. If you are planning to visit Dubai, then the mall is something you will want to visit and for that, you will need a way to navigate through it. The Dubai Mall app allows you to get access to a directory and directions around the mall, giving you a chance to visit outlets that are of particular interest to you. If you are a fist time visitor to the mall, the app gives you a reliable guide to the hottest trends, events and happenings in the world’s most luxurious shopping mall.
U by Emaar card
It may not be an app but the loyalty card gives regular visitors to developer Emaar’s collection of properties and destination hotels throughout Dubai access to great offers this Summer.
Emaar’s U by Emaar card lets users collect points, avail great discounts and rise through the four different tiers of membership from Black to Silver, Gold and finally Platinum the more they spend or use their card.
Members earn 1 Upoint for every Ksh 27 spent on any stay, dining or spa experience at a Jumeriah property. Ten Upoints are the equivalent to Ksh 27 when members use their points to pay for experiences.
The benefits for card holders increase as they move up to a higher tier of card. They include savings of up to 30 percent when dining at selected restaurants in Emaar properties, complimentary hotel and airport transfers and reduced tickets to Dubai Opera for Platinum members.
Gold members can enjoy 25 percent off dining experiences, 10 percent savings on hotel stays, free buffet breakfasts and upgrades to enhanced rooms.
Members with a Silver card receive 20 percent of their dining bill, 10 percent off hotel stays and late checkouts up to 4pm, while Black cardholders can enjoy 10 percent of their bill at selected restaurants and 10 percent off hotel stays.
