India has grabbed the top slot as Abu Dhabi’s largest overseas source market.
Figures released by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) also show that guests in the emirate are staying longer and have seen significant increases in hotel occupancies and revenues.
Close to 80,179 Indian nationals stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels from January until the end of June a 22% rise on last year. They accounted for 334,238 guest nights –which is up 43% on 2012 and stayed an average of 4.17 nights – an increase of 17%.
“We are benefiting from increased destination awareness in India following the opening a year ago of a dedicated promotions office there and also of increased air access from the country following Etihad Airways’ equity stake in Jet Airways and the move by the Indian carrier of its Middle East hub to Abu Dhabi,” said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general of TCA Abu Dhabi.
The destination has reported a 12% rise in the number of guests staying in its 145 hotels and hotel apartments for the first half of this year, as compared to the first six months of 2012.
Overall, 1,333,339 guests checked into Abu Dhabi accommodation delivering 4,226,604 guest nights between January to June 2013 – a rise of 25% on 2012. On average the guest stayed 3.17 nights – which is up 12% on last year, translating into an occupancy rate of 71% – which is up 8% on 2012.
“We heading in the right direction and this heightened performance, despite significant increases in resort and hotel inventory, justifies our increased efforts in trade engagement and international marketing and promotion and the expanded product operators and investors have put into the destination,” explained Muhairi.
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