Abu Dhabi edges closer to 2.3m hotel guests target

Abu Dhabi has achieved its best October yet in terms of hotel guests and guest nights, according to figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, or TCA Abu Dhabi. Arrivals at the emirate’s 136 hotels and hotel apartments  soared 22 per cent on the same month last year to 223,015 guests with guest nights rising 16 per cent to 675,542. Total hotel revenues increased nine per cent month-on –month to Dh450,075,911 ($122.5 million) with food & beverage revenue rising 11 per cent to Dh168,708,675 ($45.9 million) and room revenue climbing seven per cent to Dh234,668,478 ($63.5 million). “October benefitted from an action-packed events series,” explained Mubarak Al Muhairi,  director general, TCA Abu Dhabi. “This included the World Routes Conference held at Adnec, which attracted more than 2,800 CEOs and senior aviation and tourism professionals from more than 80 countries and generated an estimated direct economic impact for the emirate of Dh17 million, equivalent to $4.6 million.” “We anticipate a strong November result with the impacts from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Art which will leave us well placed to attain our annual 2.3 million hotel guest target as we head towards the end of the year,” he said. Al Muhairi says the authority, working closely with its stakeholders, is focusing on initiatives to build occupancy, which slipped seven per cent last month compared to October 2011 to 71 per cent and the average-length of guest stay, which fell by five per cent month-on-month to 3.03 nights. “There is significant new room stock entering the market – four new properties opened in October and one resort, which had been closed for refurbishment for five months also reopened and we are keenly aware of the pressure on occupancy. “Building length of stay will be part of the offset solution and is achievable given there is now so much more to see and do in the emirate with another mainline attraction, in the shape of the YasWaterworld theme park, due on line shortly. We are actively pursuing a vibrant trade engagement programme and plan to open a representation office in India .” From : Khalij