Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments continued their strong performance in the first five months of this year with increases in guest numbers, guest nights, occupancy, revenue and length-of-stay, according to the latest figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

Hotel guest numbers rose 10% to 866,501 from January to May compared to the same period last year, while guest nights climbed 26% to 2,615,503. Occupancy increased 10% to 71%, revenue was up 6% to AED 1.9 billion (GBP £321m) while average length-of-stay increased by 15% to just over three nights.

International markets performed well with the UK maintaining pole position as Abu Dhabi’s key guest source. From January to May 62,022 British nationals stayed in the emirate’s hotels, a 17% increase on the first five months of 2010.

“Increased destination competitiveness has contributed to our appeal. With average room rates falling 15% year-on-year, hotel stays in Abu Dhabi are now more affordable than other established upscale destinations, including Dubai, Paris, Sydney, New York, Rome and Tokyo,” said Lawrence Franklin, Strategy & Policy Director, ADTA.

Abu Dhabi’s year-to-date hotel occupancy and rev-par performance is also stronger than many global cities, including Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Madrid and Tokyo.

Despite a fall-off in average room rates, hotel room revenues increased by 5%. Food and beverage continued to be a major revenue earner contributing 10% more than in the first five months of 2010.