Abu Dhabi records rise in guests

Abu Dhabi has recorded a 31 per cent rise in the number of Omani guests staying in the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period in 2009.

Figures from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) show that from January to September, 16,415 Omanis stayed in Abu Dhabi with the Sultanate now ranking as the emirate's 16th most productive market.

ADTA's figures show that overall Abu Dhabi recorded a 16 per cent rise in hotel guests in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period last year with a 14 per cent increase in the number of guest nights. Some 1,326,463 guests stayed in the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments from January to September with guest nights climbing to 3,596,388.

"Since March 2009, wer are seeing growth in the number of Omanis visiting Abu Dhabi during Eid holidays," said Lawrence Franklin, ADTA's Strategy and Policy director. "Revenue in September benefited from the same factors, it rose by 12 per cent in 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," he said.

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.

"We are now well within striking distance of our 2010 hotel guest target of 1.65 million," added Franklin.

Global marketing
"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, the prognosis is good," he added.
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, we also see the need for balance between operational performance and consumer value," added Franklin.