Abu Dhabi on track for 2012 hotel guest target

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is on track to attain its 2012 hotel guest target of 2.3 million according to data recently released by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

Statistics reveal that guest arrivals for the first eight months of this year have increased by 15 per cent compared to the same period in 2011. In addition, January to August figures reveal that 1,551,888 people stayed in Abu Dhabi’s 130 hotels and hotel apartments, marking a rise of 10 per cent on last year’s comparative period, besides a three per cent uplift in total hotel revenue to Dh2.8 billion ($770 million).

“We are well placed to again achieve our annual target as we have a series of major events to come, including EidFest Abu Dhabi, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Art,” Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi, said in a statement.

“December will also see the launch of the destination’s next major power draw — the Yas Waterworld Aqua Park — which is already attracting worldwide attention and promises to deliver a significant year-end boost for Abu Dhabi,” he added.

Abu Dhabi also recorded its best August performance to date with a 58 per cent increase in guest arrivals when compared to the same month last year, according to the tourism authority. Occupancy levels for the month increased by four per cent total hotel revenue touched Dh255 million, up 19 per cent from the same month a year ago.

“The GCC, including domestic tourism from within the UAE, was our strongest growth market during August with guest arrivals from the region climbing 128 per cent on last year,” said Al Muhairi, adding that there was particularly strong growth from Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.