Home Industry Hospitality Abu Dhabi sees 16% rise in hotel guests for November Some 4.3 million hotel guests stayed in the emirate from January to the end of November by Staff Writer December 25, 2017 Abu Dhabi welcomed 443,000 hotel guests in November this year – a rise of 16 per cent over the same period in 2016. A total of 4.3 million hotel guests stayed in accommodation across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain region and Al Dhafra region in the first 11 months of the year, according to figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, amounting to a 9 per cent year-on-year growth. The emirate’s target is to welcome a record 4.9 million guests to its 162 hotels by the end of December. The dramatic surge has been attributed to the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, and the hosting of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Director general of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “While November and Q4 is traditionally a strong period for us, particularly with visitors from Europe, we are still highly encouraged by the sector’s performance during the month and the 16 per cent increase in hotel guests across all three regions to number 443,000 guests. “The opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi was a monumental event, not only for Abu Dhabi but also for the whole of the country and indeed the region, contributing enormously to our appeal as a ‘must visit’ destination. The museum attracted worldwide attention and instantly became a huge draw for domestic and international visitors, which we anticipate will continue for many years to come.” The museum opened on November 11, following close collaboration between the UAE and French governments, leading to a 32 per cent rise in French guests during the month compared to the same period in 2016. According to the department’s figures, guests from the US during November increased by 50 per cent, while the China, UK and Germany saw rises of 38 per cent, 36 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. Of the 443,636 guests that stayed in the emirate, 322,506 were international visitors and 121,130 domestic visitors. “Our annual events calendar across the emirate continues to develop and expand with November hosting another successful Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Art festival, National Day celebrations and the Fourth National Traditional Handicrafts Festival in Al Ain,” added Ghobash. “These events are proving a draw to visitors who are seeking a blend of Arabian culture, heritage and excitement in a diverse and affordable destination. We expect a strong Q4 performance to round off a very successful year for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. We have challenges to address, such as increasing average length of stay of our guests and the occupancy rate, but we are constantly working on new initiatives and marketing to improve these figures.” 0 Comments