Abu Dhabi targets 2.3 million hotel guests for 2012
Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly
The recent figures disclosed by 
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) revealed that the emirate of Abu Dhabi is on track to attain its target of 2.3 million hotel guests by the end of 2012. Current figures show a a 15% guest arrivals increase in the first eight months of this year compared to 2011.
From January to end of August, 1,551,888 people stayed in Abu Dhabi’s 130 hotels and hotel apartments accounting for 4,393,820 guest nights – a rise of 10% on last year’s comparative period – and a 3% uplift in total hotel revenue to AED2.8bn (US$770m).
“We are well placed to again achieve our annual target as we have a series of major events, including EidFest Abu Dhabi, F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Art,” explained HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi. “December will also see the launch of the destination’s next major power draw – Yas Waterworld Aqua Park”
The destination benefitted from the August performance with a 58% increase in guest arrivals when compared to the same month in 2011, a 27% increase in guest nights to 519,610, a 4% uplift in occupancy levels to 55% and a 19% rise in total hotel revenue to AED255 million (US$61.6 million).
“The GCC, including domestic tourism from within UAE, was our strongest growth market during August with guest arrivals from the region climbing 128% on last year – there was particularly strong growth from Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia,” added Al Muhairi.
Overall in the period January-August, UK remained Abu Dhabi’s most productive hotel guest market with some 88,567 Britons staying in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments though the figure is a slight drop of 1% on 2011. UK guests accounted 378,431 guest nights which fell by 4% year-on year. India continues to perform well, with 87,106 Indians staying – a 31% increase on 2011 – which translated into 324,522 guest nights, a 22% rise on 2011. In third place was Germany which saw a 44% increase in Abu Dhabi’s hotel guest profile translating to 59,561 arrivals and 267,983 guest nights – 38% uplift on 2011. China is rapidly climbing – it’s now in 16th place with 19,497 Chinese who stayed in the emirate between January and August delivering an 80% increase on last year and some 35,225 guest nights – a rise of 53% on year-to-date.
