More guests have checked into Abu Dhabi’s 146 hotels and hotel apartments in the first seven months of this year compared to any other comparative period, according to figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

The figures showed that from January-July end, guest arrivals topped the 1.5 million mark – a 10 per cent increase on the same period last year.

In all, the arrivals delivered about 4.8 million guest nights – up 23 per cent on 2012 with guests staying, on average 3.17 nights – which is a rise of 12 per cent on last year,  driving occupancy up by 7 per cent to 68 per cent.

Year-to-date hotel revenues rose 16 per cent to almost Dh3 billion ($81.5 million) with food and beverage accounting for Dh1.17 billion.

“These results make encouraging reading when viewed against the fact that hotel inventory in the emirate has grown from 137 properties and 23,613 rooms in 2012 to 146 offering 25,300 rooms this year,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“And with a final quarter ahead of us which is packed with major events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Art, the Seatrade Middle East Forum and the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, we could see the best results of the year yet to come.”

“Though we received fewer guests last July than in July 2012, which we anticipated with the onset of Ramadan, those who did check into Abu Dhabi stayed longer, which is a good sign that we are providing additional attractions to encourage expanded length-of-stay,” said Al Muhairi.

Al Gharbia, the western region, however, had increased guest arrivals by 3 per cent with guest nights moving up 22 per cent and average-length-of-stay up by 19 per cent, he said.

India is now Abu Dhabi’s top overseas source market for hotel guests, followed by UK and Germany, Al Muhairi added. - TradeArabia News Service