Total guest nights from all international visitors also rose, with some 709,148 overnights clocked – an increase of 36 per cent. The average length of stay remained consistent at 2.82 nights whilst occupancy jumped 17 per cent to 64 per cent.
According to figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), 251,504 visitors stayed in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments during August 2013 – a 37 per cent increase on the same month in 2012.
The UK remains the second largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi with 96,923 Britons checking into the emirate – a 9 per cent rise on 2012 – delivering 458,943 guest nights, up 21 per cent – with British guests staying on average close to five nights.
Total guest nights from all international visitors also rose, with some 709,148 overnights clocked – an increase of 36 per cent. The average length of stay remained consistent at 2.82 nights whilst occupancy jumped 17 per cent to 64 per cent.
August’s performance means that in the first eight months of this year 1,755,730 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi – a 13 per cent year-on-year increase. Guest nights have also risen 25 per cent to 5,480,742, with average length of stay leaping ten per cent to 3.12 nights.
Year to date occupancy grew eight per cent to 68 per cent while revenue climbed 17 per cent to AED 3.3 billion (GBP 555,325) of which AED 1.3 billion (GBP 218,754) came from food and beverage income – a 16 per cent lift on the first eight months of 2012.
“As we move into 2014 we will focus heavily on the messaging that Abu Dhabi is a luxury, yet highly affordable destination. We now have 146 resorts, hotels and hotel apartments to choose from and a room stock of 25,300,” said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi.
The hotel figures for the first eight months of 2013 leave Abu Dhabi well placed to achieve its 2.5 million guest target for this year. The emirate anticipates a strong year end with a line-up of major events yet to come, including October’s EidFest, November’s F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Art and the emirate’s major National Day festival weekend in December which encompasses the 10th Al Ain Aerobatics Show, the Coutts Polo At The Palace exclusive gathering, the Seatrade Middle East Forum, the mega Life & Style UAE consumer show and the year-ending Mubadala World Tennis Championships.
Photo caption: 10th Al Ain Aerobatics Show.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
