The number of hotel guests staying in the emirate’s 163 hotels and hotel apartments in March reached 464,960, representing an increase of 12.3 per cent compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
That meant that the total number of hotel guests in the first three months of 2018 was 1,289,537, a year-on-year increase of 10.9 per cent, with key international markets registering impressive percentage gains.
During the month, the number of visitors from leading international source market China increased by 15.4 per cent to number 40,800; Indian guests increased by 32 per cent to number 35,200; and the UK increased by 24 per cent to reach 28,000.
Other key markets, notably the United States and Germany, also registered double-digit increases with the US up 29 per cent to 19,300 and Germany rising 36 per cent to 18,800 guests.
The impressive figures follow a record-breaking 2017 when just shy of five million visitors stayed in Abu Dhabi city, Al Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra’s range of accommodation.
All three regions registered hotel guest rises with Al Dhafra leading the way with a 22.7 per cent rise, followed by Abu Dhabi city with 12.8 per cent rise and Al Ain with a 5.3 per cent rise.
The first quarter of 2018 has seen the UK register a 25 per cent increase, ensuring the market remains the third most important international source market.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our progress in attracting more people to explore the emirate as a visitor destination is testament to our continuous investment into Abu Dhabi’s diverse range of attractions and year-round programme of events.
“Our targeted marketing investment in key source markets is being rewarded with impressive double-digit growth as our global awareness grows and we develop into a ‘must visit’ destination built on unique experiences and rich cultural heritage.
“We have an ambitious target of attracting 8.5 million guests a year by 2021 which will provide a significant boost to the economy and support our drive for economic diversification.”