ABU DHABI recorded a 16-per-cent rise in hotel guests in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period in 2009 with a 14% increase in the number of guest nights.
The performance was revealed in latest figures from Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which showed that some 1,326,463 guests stayed in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments from January to September end this year with guest nights climbing to 3,596,388.
“Growth in September, 26 per cent on the same month last year with a 25 per cent increase in guest nights to 396,726, was the strongest recorded since March 2009 and is strongly influenced by year-on-year variations in the timing of Eid holidays,” explained Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy director, ADTA.
“Revenue in September benefitted from the same factors, it rose by 12 per cent on 2009. Year-to-date, food and beverage revenues recorded a 15 per cent growth and have become an increasingly important factor now accounting for 37 per cent of all revenues compared to 33 per cent this time last year.”
Domestic tourism continues to perform well showing a 16 per cent increase in guest generation in the first nine months to break the 500,000 mark. The UK retains the overseas market top slot with a 50 per cent growth representing 83,239 guests.
“We are now well within striking distance of our 2010 hotel guest target of 1.65 million,” added Franklin. “With the addition to our leisure stock of the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park, which has now opened its doors to huge international publicity and with the emirate readying to host major B2B events, such as November’s Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference and the first World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi conference and exhibition, the prognosis is good.”
ADTA figures also show that additional room capacity continues to drive down overall occupancy levels, which have fallen 17 per cent year-on-year, and average room rates which are down by 21 per cent.
“Market dynamics are making Abu Dhabi more competitive than at any time in its recent history however, we also recognise the need for balance between operational performance and consumer value. Our strategies, developed with industry partners, to maximise the opportunities presented, will help ensure a positive 2011 when we look to achieve a 15 per cent overall rise in hotel guests,” added Franklin.