Travelsmart
Abu Dhabi accelerated its growth in hotel guest arrivals during October with 418,883 guests checking into the emirate’s 163 hotels and hotel apartments, representing an 18 per cent increase over the same month last year.
The cumulative number of guest arrivals for the first ten months of 2017 has increased to reach more than 3.9 million, representing growth of eight per cent on the year and keeping the emirate on track to surpass last year’s record total of 4.4 million, according to latest figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
October saw a double-digit percentage growth from Chinese and USA visitors, while the tier one markets of UK and India also saw dramatic improvement, with an increase of 26 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general, department of culture and tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Our sustained efforts in improving the worldwide appeal of Abu Dhabi to tourists for both business and leisure is continuing to reap rewards, with the latest figures for guest arrivals supporting our endeavours.
“Record numbers of people are staying in our expansive choice of accommodation across all three regions of the emirate and we aim to sustain and improve on this growth throughout quarter three, traditionally our busiest time of the year.”
The October UAE guest arrivals total of 113,000 was also an increase on the corresponding month last year, representing a rise of almost six per cent.
The three regions – Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain and Al Dhafra all showed positive results for hotel guests, with the Al Dhafra region posting a 24 per cent increase in guests arrivals compared to the corresponding month in 2016.
Ghobash added: “We do face challenges, in particular our average length of stay, which we want to increase by providing a greater choice of things to see, do and experience to encourage our guests to stay longer and visit more of the emirate.
“We have identified an appetite and need for additional leisure and entertainment events and are working closely with the private sector on partnerships to improve our choices throughout the year.
“Our unique blend of culture, heritage and diverse natural landscapes combined with dynamic family entertainment and business opportunities are proving highly enticing for international visitors and we will continue to capitalise on our growth throughout quarter four.”
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