Abu Dhabi saw a 16% rise in the number guests staying in the emirate’s 116 licensed hotels and hotel apartments last month, compared to July 2009.

Guest numbers rose to 137,714 with the numbers of nights stayed totalling 376,439 - a 24% increase on July 2009. The average length of stay also increased by 6% to stand at 2.73 nights.

The figures, just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), make July the ninth consecutive month of double-digit guests growth for the emirate with, for the first time, international market growth of 29% outstripping domestic growth, which turned in a 4% increase.

The UAE still accounted for the largest number of guests in July with some 63,027 staying in the emirate’s hotels. The UK came in as the largest international market with 7,101 guests - a 27% rise on July 2009. Saudi Arabia also turned in substantial growth of 47% with 4,682 guests, while guests from France increased 36% to 2,070.

Additional room capacity continued to drive down overall occupancy levels which are 13% lower than July 2009, with average room rates down by 23%. Hotel apartments achieved a healthier 72% occupancy rate against their hotel counterparts, which managed 54%.

“Growth in what is traditionally a slow summer month for Abu Dhabi is immensely encouraging,” said His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA.

“Our guest performance this year has now gone over the million market leaving us well placed to meet, if not exceed, our 2010 target of 1.65 million. We are confident because of what lies ahead in the coming months for Abu Dhabi.

“We believe the October launch of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will have strong regional and international appeal. Additionally, November’s staging of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is shaping up to be a thrilling finale for the F1 season.

“Furthermore, we have a strong business tourism line-up with a highlight being this November’s staging of the inaugural World Green Tourism Summit Abu Dhabi, which has a powerful international speaker and exhibitor line-up.”

A total of 1,074,293 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments from January to July this year. This is a 16% increase on the same period last year. Food and beverage revenues grew 14% over the same comparative period and now account for 35% of all hotel revenues.

For further information on ADTA call 0207 201 6400 or visit www.visitabudhabi.ae