Abu Dhabi sees visitor numbers rocket in 2012

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has announced that the UAE capital has seen tourist numbers jump in the first four months of 2012.

Overall, a total of almost 800,000 guests visted the emirate – an increase of 14% on 2011 figures – while guest nights reached 2.3 million, up 3% on last year.

In April-to-April figures, total hotel revenue was up 4% to AED 397 million (US $ 108 million). In April 2012 alone, 196,753 guests checked into the emirate’s hotels – an increase of 7% on April 2011 – however, overall hotel occupancy dropped 11% to 64%.

HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “Overall performance in the first four months of this year has to be viewed positively, certainly if we can maintain guest growth we will reach our annual target of 2.3 million this year – with some important projects coming up later this year to benefit from.”

He added: “Our efforts are taking on new significance in the important US and Saudi Arabian markets where we have opened fully-staffed offices with skilled personnel across the trade distribution and MICE channels.”

There has been a summer campaign launched for Abu Dhabi, by Etihad Airways, covering 50 hotels and 14 attractions, including incentives such as free kinds’ flights and free room nights.

The UK is the key feeder market for the emirate, although numbers are down year-on-year, while tourist numbers from India, now the second largest market, are up 28%.