Abu Dhabi Hotels Welcome 1.7m Guests In H1 2014

Over 1.7 million guests checked into Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments during the first half of this year, up 28 per cent compared to the first half of 2013, according to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

In the six months between January to June this year, visitors delivered 5,147,392 guest nights, up 22 per cent year-on-year.

Average occupancy rates also grew eight per cent year-on-year during H1 2014 to reach 77 per cent.

Hotel and room revenues rose 15 per cent to Dhs3.089 billion ($841 million) and Dhs1. 57 billion ($429.8 million) respectively, TCA Abu Dhabi said in a statement.

TCA attributed the growth to “a competitive average room rate” – which now stands at Dhs348 ($95) – and increased air access thanks to new routes launched by Etihad this year.

“We have also seen a concerted stakeholder campaign for our new Abu Dhabi Summer Season which has seen the destination putting out compelling entertainment, hospitality and attraction packages across the entire tourism eco-system,” said Jasem Al Darmaki, deputy director general, TCA Abu Dhabi.

The half-year performance was also boosted by a 14 per cent rise in year-on-year guest arrivals in June, with guest nights also growing 18 per cent and occupancy rates increasing by eight per cent. Hotel revenues also went up by 16 per cent during the month, the statement added.

“There was considerable arrivals uplift during the month from within the UAE market, the GCC, China, Russia, India, France, Germany and the UK,” said Al Darmaki.

During the first half of the year, India topped the list of source markets with 107,995 visitors checking into Abu Dhabi’s hotels – a 35 per cent increase on 2013. The UK and Germany rounded off the top three.

“Specific product marketing is now also being developed by stakeholders for the increasingly prolific Chinese and Russian markets,” said Al Darmaki.

Abu Dhabi remains on target to achieve its 2014 hotel guest target of 3.2 million, he added.

“There are a number of high profile major events lined up including the Abu Dhabi Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition, ADIPEC, Abu Dhabi Art, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the newly-signed ISAF Sailing World Cup, National Day celebrations and the year-end hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race.

“We are also progressing plans for some exciting new destination product which we hope to announce to the market soon.”