Abu Dhabi hotel guest performance outstripping record 2011
The number of hotel guests staying in Abu Dhabi's 137 hotels, resorts and hotel apartments between January and November 2012 has risen 14% against the same period in 2011, with guest nights up 11%.
Figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority show that in the first 11 months of 2012 a massive 2,171,680 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi - beating the emirate's overall performance for 2011.
Internationally, the UK remains Abu Dhabi's key overseas market for hotel guests with 129,180 British staying in the emirate from January-November 2012, a 2% increase on 2011.
"This is extremely encouraging particularly when viewed in context of the significant number of rooms we now have available, which currently stands at 23,516," said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
Abu Dhabi is currently gearing up for the opening of the much anticipated Yas Waterworld waterpark this month and the Q1 opening of the luxury beachfront Ritz Carlton Grand Canal Abu Dhabi - a five star resort which will mark the entry of the prestigious Ritz Carlton brand into the UAE capital.
November proved to be the busiest month in 2012 in terms of guest nights with some 207,335 guests accounting for 676,593 guest nights. November's results remained static in terms of guest numbers compared to the same month in 2011 though guest nights rose 10%.
"November's lengthier stays were likely down to the staging of the Grand Prix and an acceptance of the lead-up marketing campaign which focused on spelling out just how much there now is to do and see in Abu Dhabi," said Al Muhairi.
Year-on-year hotel revenues in Abu Dhabi are up 6% to GBP 0.76 billion (AED 4.2 billion) with food & beverage accounting for GBP 273 (AED 1.6 billion) - a 12% increase on the same period in 2011.
"Competition has put our luxury proposition in a very affordable bracket which will assist our ever increasing efforts to attract more guests and encourage them to stay longer," explained Al Muhairi.
