Abu Dhabi hotels deliver record first half year

Hotels and hotel apartments in Abu Dhabi have reported their best half year performance ever in terms of hotel guest numbers, guest nights and revenues, while there was also strong growth in occupancy.

According to figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), 1.7 million guests checked into the emirate’s accommodation in the first six months of the year, up 28% on the same period in 2013.

These arrivals delivered a total of 5.1 million guest nights, up 22%, while occupancy climbed eight percentage points to 77%.

Both hotel and room revenues jumped 15% to AED3.089 billion (US $840.9 million) and AED1.578 (US $429.6 million) respectively.

TCA Abu Dhabi said the first half performance was boosted by a strong June, during which guest arrivals rose 14% to 264,203, guest nights climbed 18% to 771,997, the average length-of-stay rose by 4% to 2.92 nights and occupancy moved up 8% to 70%.

"The occupancy increase should also be viewed alongside the fact that the number of hotels in the emirate in June this year stood at 154 with a total of 27,405 rooms against June 2013 when there were 145 hotels accounting for 25,270 rooms," said TCA Abu Dhabi deputy director general Jasem Al Darmaki.

"There was considerable up-lift in arrivals during the month from within the UAE market, the GCC, China, Russia, India, France, Germany and the UK."

Among the factors cited by the authority that contributed to the strong performance was the competitive average room rate, which now stands at AED348 (US $95), as well as more flights by Etihad Airways connecting Abu Dhabi to Medina, Jaipur, Zurich and Los Angeles and the introduction of a non-stop service from Brisbane, Australia.

"Even more is promised with the Etihad network having expanded in July to include flights from Rome and Perth, and Dallas, Texas due on line in December," added Al Darmaki.

"We have also seen a concerted stakeholder campaign for our new Abu Dhabi Summer Season which has seen the destination putting out compelling entertainment, hospitality and attraction packages across the entire tourism eco-system. The results leave the destination well placed to attain its 2014 hotel guest target of 3.2 million with a dynamic Q3 and Q4 to come", Al Darmaki said.

"There are a number of high profile major events lined up, including the Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, Abu Dhabi Art, ADIPEC, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the newly-signed ISAF Sailing World Cup, National Day celebrations and the year-end hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race.”