Abu Dhabi occupancy maintains momentum
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As per a recent report released by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), a total of 1.189 million guests stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments during the first six months of this year – an increase of 14% on the first half of 2011.
Further, the reports shows in all 1,189,995 guests checked into hotels and hotel apartments throughout the emirate from January to June this year accounting for some 3,369,228 guest nights – an increase of 9% on the comparative six months of 2011.
“These statistics leaves us well on track to attain our yearly target of 2.3 million guests,” said His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi. “We need to maintain the momentum but are relatively confident of doing with a packed season. We have major events lined up which include the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Art and the planned November opening of Yas Waterworld. In addition, the 18th World Routes Development Forum bringing a significant number of aviation and airline senior personnel to Abu Dhabi.”
The June performance of 205,950 hotel guests – figures this year were up 17% on June 2011 – helped achieve the record half yearly results. Over the first six months of the year, Abu Dhabi achieved over 2.5 million room nights – an uplift of 8% on 2011. Total revenue was up by 2% to AED2.3 billion (US$631 million), some AED921.8 million (US$251 million) came from food and beverage income, which was up by 11%, while the AED1.15 billion (US$314 million) room revenue was a 4% dip on 2011.
Most key markets returned an increase in hotel guests over the six months with the exception of the UK, USA and France. The UK slipped 2% to 71,465 with a 5% drop in guest nights to 298,969, which still left it top of the international performance ranking. The US fell by 5% to 40,857 guests and 11% in guest nights to 219,772 and ranks fifth in the destination’s international hotel guest performance league, while France fell by 3% to 23,696 guests and dropped 11% in guest nights to 83,087, to stand as the ninth largest overseas market.
The number of Indians staying in Abu Dhabi’s hotels rose 31% to 65,519 guests accounting for 234,043 guest nights, a rise of 15% on 2011, making it the second largest overseas source markets, while Germany grew 44% to 49,126 with a 40% guest night growth leaving it in third place. Saudi Arabia performed well delivering 36,430 guests, up 36% on 2011, who stayed for 79,307 guest nights – an increase of 37% over the six months making it the destination’s sixth largest source market outside the UAE.
The emerging markets of China and Russia recorded returns. China grew 84% in guest numbers to 15,297 and 53% in guest nights, while Russia climbed 31% to 8,978 guests and 33% in guest nights which totaled 51,824.