Abu Dhabi hotel guests grow 5%

Abu Dhabi recorded five percent growth in the number of guests staying in its hotels and hotel apartments and also guest nights during February this year compared to the same month last year.

The recent figures of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority show that during last month 184,296 guests stayed in the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments - accounting for 550,352 guest nights.

The growth was maintained in part by Abu Dhabi's hosting of the World Ophthalmology Congress 2012, the world's longest running international medical convention and the largest business event ever staged in the UAE capital, which attracted over 10,000 participants.

February's performance keeps the emirate's hotel guest numbers growth on-track, with the first two months of this year being 16 percent up on the same period last year to stand at 382,435, while guest nights rose 12 per cent to over 1.1million.

The UK remains Abu Dhabi's largest international source market, accounting for some 21,960 guests and 105,274 guest nights in the first two months of this year with seven per cent and one percent increases respectively. Germany climbs to second place in terms of guest numbers with some 16,867 guests and 69,159 guest nights - increases of 55 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

“We envisage continued strong performance from Germany aided by the increasing Air Berlin access to Abu Dhabi," said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

From March 23, Air Berlin will operate thrice daily to Abu Dhabi including daily, non-stop flights from Berlin and Dusseldorf.

India continues to be a high potential market for Abu Dhabi and now ranks as the emirate's third largest international source market in terms of guest arrivals. India brought in  15,725 guests and 72,893 guest nights in the first two months of this year - rise of 49 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

The Saudi market also continues to grow with 10,461 guests from the kingdom staying for 30,838 nights during the first two months of the year - up by 47 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

"We are increasing our focus on the GCC and the Saudi Arabian market in particular, where once again we envisage sustained growth which, from April, will be significantly aided by increased Etihad frequency to Abu Dhabi from Dammam and Kuwait," added Al Muhairi.

From April 1, four new weekly flights will see Etihad fly 25 times a week from Kuwait, while the carrier will also fly 16 times a week from Dammam - compared to the current 13 on the route.Hotel occupancy in the first two months of the year dropped five per cent to 68 per cent , though revenue rose one per cent to Dh818 million ($224 million).

Food and beverage income, which has increased by 14 per cent (Dh 312.5 million/$85.5 million) in the first two months continues to keep revenue buoyant as room revenue has dropped by 6 percent (Dh429 million/$117.5 million) and the average room rate by 14 per cent to stand at Dh509/US $140.

"There has been a slight slip in the average length of stay and this is now to be a key focus for us for the remainder of this year," said Al Muhairi. "We are working to produce an increasing range of tailored and specialised products and are developing promotional plans targeting the golf, beach, nature, adventure and MICE segments. We are also looking to enhance our distribution channels through trade incentive initiatives and are seeking out ‘preferred partners' willing to further engage with us in B2C initiatives."

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