Abu Dhabi: Hotel guest arrivals from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), with the exception of the UAE, rose 30 per cent to reach 58,698 guests during the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period last year, according to the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA).
In a statement released by TCA on Thursday, figures showed that GCC guests delivered 131,416 nights during the first quarter of 2014 — a 29 per cent uplift on last year. The guests stayed an average of 2.24 nights in Abu Dhabi.
“All five of our GCC neighbours delivered double-digit growth for our hospitality industry in the first quarter, with Saudi Arabia accounting for the lion’s share, and which now ranks as our seventh largest international source market, with Oman and Qatar also among our top 20 at 14th and 18th place respectively,” said Sultan Al Daheri, acting executive director of tourism at TCA.
He added that the authority’s challenge now lies in convincing GCC travellers to stay longer.
Travel and tourism fair
In a bid to capture the attention of more GCC travellers, Abu Dhabi is rolling out a new look at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), one the region’s biggest travel and tourism fairs, which runs in Dubai from May 5-8.
“Slightly larger than last year, and with more partners at 48, and 85 products, we are going all out to engage the GCC travel trade with events to be packaged around, including our new look Abu Dhabi Summer Season, new partners to forge business links with, and fresh products to sell,” Al Daheri said.
The stand is set to highlight the emirate’s offerings for the summer that include headline concerts, and international show performances.
With increased offerings, stakeholders are responding to demand by tailoring products specifically for GCC travellers, and families, Al Daheri said.
According to TCA Abu Dhabi’s latest Destination Visitor Survey, the GCC business visitor spends around $449 (Dh1,648) per day/night in the emirate.
Hotels have also confirmed the increased number of GCC visitors. Doris Greif, general manger at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, said the hotel saw a 108 per cent increase in room nights from GCC nationals and residents during 2013 compared to 2012.
