Abu Dhabi records 32% increase in occupancy
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Abu Dhabi’s 152 hotels and hotel apartments have had a very positive Q1 in terms of guest numbers, guest nights and revenue. Figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) show 834,771 guests checked into the emirate’s accommodation, a climb of 32% on Q1 2013.
Guest nights delivered during Q1 2014 rose 22% year-on-year to almost 2.6 million with occupancy averaging 79%, which is up eight percent. Total hotel revenues increased by 11% to AED 1,585 billion (US$ 389.9 million) with food & beverage income rising 11% to AED595.4 m (US$ 162 m).
HE Jasem Al Darmaki, deputy director general, TCA Abu Dhabi said: “The first quarter is characterised as a particularly busy period for major events in Abu Dhabi both from leisure and business perspective. This is coupled with increasing air access in bringing new markets within our reach.”
An additional 11 hotels have opened in Abu Dhabi since Q1 2013 and the emirate’s room stock now stands at 26,811 compared to 24,416 this time last year. Increased competition within the market place has held back the average room rate which now stands at AED455 (US$124).
“We are also emphasising to both trade and consumers the affordability of the destination and value-for-money it represents,” explained Al Darmaki.
Domestic tourism is performing well for the destination with 260,755 UAE nationals checking into Abu Dhabi, which is 29% more than in Q1 last year. They delivered 603,120 guest nights, which is up 30% and stayed, on average, 2.31 nights. India was the largest international source market accounting for 50,291 guests during Q1 – a 39% year-on-year improvement. Indian guests delivered 196,208 guest nights, which was a 14% increase and stayed, on average, just short of four nights.
The UK came in as the emirate’s second largest overseas market with a 25% rise in British guests to 49,720 who delivered a 14% upturn in guest nights to 213,705 staying, on average, close to four and a half nights.
Germany is the destination’s third largest international source market with a 16% uplift in check ins to 36,921 guests. Germans accounted for 172,783 guest nights and stayed close to five nights.
Business from China has made huge strides with arrivals surging 208% to 32,259 making the People’s Republic the destination’s fourth largest overseas source market. Chinese arrivals in Q1 delivered 50,253 guest nights – which more than doubled to 139% on the first three months of last year. Chinese guests are staying, on average just short of two nights.
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