UK arrivals boom in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi achieved a 10% rise in hotel guests in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year, and witnessed increased in guest nights, occupancy levels, revenue and length of stay.
The UK was the top overseas producer with some 37,710 guests received during the quarter – a 20% rise against 2010.
According to the latest Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) figures, some 510,114 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels in the first three months of this year, producing 1.56 million guest nights – up by a quarter on 2010. March alone produced a 9% rise in guest arrivals with 180,931 people checking into the emirate’s wide array of hotels.
While the Q1 mainstay was the domestic market, India rose to become the second largest overseas producer with its 23,614 Q1 turnout being up 28% on the same time last year. The US was in third place with 23,190 guests – a 6% rise.
Said Lawrence Franklin, ADTA’s Director Strategy & Policy: “Our sterling first quarter performance can be attributed to the dynamic programme of events, both business and leisure, which have taken place in the emirate over the past three months.
“Overall the prognosis is good,” he said. “We have set our sights on 2 million hotel guests this year and if the Q1 performance can be sustained throughout the remainder of 2011, we will certainly achieve our target.”
Regionally, Saudi Arabia proved to be the top GCC source market with some 13,119 guests – up 44% on 2010 producing 29,327 guest nights – a rise of 69% on last year, leaving the Kingdom in 6th place on Abu Dhabi’s list of top international markets.
Abu Dhabi’s occupancy rate for the quarter was a healthy 72% - up 10% on 2010 with room revenue climbing 6% to AED679 million. Food & beverage revenue rose 12% to AED433 million.
Downward pressure continues to be applied to room rates because of increased competition in the Abu Dhabi market. The emirate has expanded to 18,800 hotel rooms with a further 4,000 due to come on line by year end.
Franklin added: “We have also benefited from our reputation as a safe and stable destination during the period of uncertainty being experienced by some Arab nations.
“Yas Island Weekends, which are serving up an enticing mix of entertainment, hotels deals, golf and visits to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, have kept the momentum going with its impact evident in our 13% rise in the average length of stay to just over three nights.”
For more information visit: abudhabitourism.ae