Emirates Palace remains the top luxury destination in Abu Dhabi

Dubai: Abu Dhabi's picturesque Emirates Palace Hotel, managed by Kempinski, on Monday said it experienced 19 per cent growth in occupancy last year.

"The surge in occupancy was prompted by a dramatic increase in leisure travellers and almost full occupancy of its luxurious palace suites last year," a company statement said.

The results confirm Emirates Palace's continuing rise to prominence as the leading luxury destination in Abu Dhabi, and in the region.

"It was a great year for Emirates Palace," said Hans Olbertz, general manager. "Overall, occupancy figures increased by 19 per cent over levels in 2006, the best in the hospitality industry in this part of the world; and we doubled our bookings for leisure guests."

Olbertz said the British topped the arrivals list last year, accounting for 8.8 per cent of guest registrations. Guests from Germany followed in close second place, accounting for 8 per cent.

"In total, 40 per cent of our guests came from European markets, which is one of our traditional strongholds.

"Even with our continued strength in this region, we intend to develop this market further, because it has so much potential; while at the same time exploring emerging markets which have shown a keen interest in the luxury experience offered by Emirates Palace," Olbertz added.