MIDDLE EAST - Abu Dhabi has recorded five per cent growth in the number of guests staying in its hotels and hotel apartments during February 2012, compared to the same month last year, with number of guest nights also climbing five per cent during the same period.
 
Figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority show that 184,296 guests stayed in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments in February, accounting for 550,352 guest nights.
 
The UK remains Abu Dhabi’s largest international source market, generating 21,960 guests and 105,274 guest nights in the first two months of 2012, producing a seven per cent increase in guests and a one per cent increase in guest nights.
 
The emirate’s growth record was maintained in part by Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the World Ophthalmology Congress 2012, the world’s longest running international medical convention and the largest-ever business event staged in the UAE capital. It attracted over 10,000 participants.
 
February’s performance keeps the emirate’s growth on track, with the first two months of this year producing 382,435 guests, a 16 per cent increase, while guest nights over the period rose 12 per cent to just over 1.1m.
 
His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said: “We are working hard with stakeholders to produce an increasing range of tailored and specialised products and are busy developing consumer-focused promotional plans targeting the golf, beach, nature, adventure and MICE segments.
 
“We are also looking to enhance our distribution channels through trade incentive initiatives and are seeking out preferred partners willing to further engage with us in exciting and highly productive B2C initiatives.”
 
Do you have a news story for CMW? Email: vcarley@mashmedia.net