Abu Dhabi records double-digit growth in hotel guests

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% compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

That meant that the total number of hotel guests in the first three months of the year was 1,289,537, a year-on-year increase of 10.9% with key international markets registering impressive percentage gains.

During the month, the numbers of visitors from leading international source market China increased by 15.4% to number 40,800, Indian guests increased by 32% to number 35,200 and the UK increased by 24% to reach 28,000. Other key markets, notably the United States and Germany, also registered double-digit increases with the US up 29% to 19,300 and Germany rising 36% 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.

UAE-based guests also increased in March to number 134,631, a rise from March 2017’s total of 130,125.
All three regions registered hotel guest rises with Al Dhafra leading the way with a 22.7% rise, followed by Abu Dhabi city with 12.8% rise and Al Ain with a 5.3% rise.

The first quarter of this year has seen China maintain its position as leading international hotel guest supplier, with more than 127,000 Chinese staying in the emirate – an increase of 31% compared to the same period in 2017. Indian visitors have surged past 100,000 and showed a 30% increase while the UK registered a 25% increase, the US up 24% and Germany up 27%.

HE 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 program 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.”