Hotel guests to all three regions of Abu Dhabi increased in total by five per cent in September compared to the same month last year with 415,985 domestic and international visitors checking in to one of the emirate’s 163 hotels or hotel apartments.
Figures released by the department of culture and tourism, Abu Dhabi, recorded increases for hotel guests during the month of 14 per cent in the Al Dhafra Region, eight per cent in the Al Ain Region and four per cent in Abu Dhabi city with a total occupancy rate of 69 per cent.
Guest nights also increased by 15, six, and five per cent respectively.
September’s rise has maintained the emirate’s seven per cent increase over the year so far in the numbers of hotel guests staying in the emirate and leave it on track to surpass 2016’s total of 4.4 million guests.
India remained the largest international source market with more than 33,000 hotel guests during the month, while the UK was third behind China showing a five per cent rise.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general, department of culture and tourism, Abu Dhabi, said: “Globally, we have invested heavily in marketing Abu Dhabi as a destination of distinction, the perfect place to visit and explore, with an emphasis on an emirate steeped in history, culture and heritage.
“Our strategy is to highlight that Abu Dhabi has a wealth of natural and man-made attractions across all regions to entertain and excite the whole family while providing luxurious yet affordable choices of accommodation.”
With immense global interest being show in the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island on November 11th, the department is forecasting a strong end to the year, this being a traditionally busy time marked by an extensive set of events; the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Art, Abu Dhabi Food Festival, Al Dhafra Festival, the recently announced Dar Al Zain Festival in Al Ain, NYE Countdown Village in Abu Dhabi, and the on-going Abu Dhabi Classics international concert series.