A total of 1.2 million guests stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments during the first six months of this year - an increase of 14 per cent on the first half of 2011.

Figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) show in all 1,189,995 guests checked into hotels and hotel apartments throughout the emirate from January to June this year accounting for some 3,369,228 guest nights – an increase of nine per cent on the comparative six months of 2011.

“This is a very encouraging performance which leaves us well on track to attain our yearly target of 2.3 million guests,” said his excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“The task ahead is to maintain the momentum but we are relatively confident of doing this as we look forward to a season ahead packed with major events, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Art and the planned November opening of Yas Waterworld – which will be the UAE’s largest water park – and will further heighten the entertainment proposition of Yas Island.

“In addition, we anticipate Abu Dhabi’s hosting, this September, of the World 18th Routes Development Forum bringing a significant number of aviation and airline senior personnel to the UAE capital.”

A stellar June performance of 205,950 hotel guests – figures this year were up 17 per cent on June 2011 – helped achieve the record half yearly results.
 
Most key markets returned an increase in hotel guests over the six months with the exception of the UK, USA and France.

The UK slipped two per cent to 71,465 with a five per cent drop in guest nights to 298,969, which still left it top of the international performance ranking.