Hotel guest figures in Abu Dhabi have hit record July levels, with a 38 per cent uplift in guest numbers and a 35 per cent rise in guest nights, according to the latest official figures.

Guests from members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and wider Arab region have produced the most significant increases the data reveal.

In July some 189,486 guests stayed in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments, accounting for 507,612 guest nights.

The performance pushed occupancy levels up nine per cent to 65 per cent and overall revenue up six per cent to AED271 million.

Regional guest arrivals lead the performance surge with those from the GCC, not counting UAE guests, soaring 98 per cent on the same month last year to 19,828, and from the wider Arab market increasing by 44 per cent to 22,383, while both Europe and Asia recorded 28 per cent month-on-month comparison returns.

GCC travellers accounted for 39,087 guest nights – up 124 per cent month-on-month and other Arab national guests represented 54,190 guest nights – a monthly comparative increase of 33 per cent.

The ongoing success of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) was recognised recently by the World Travel Awards, with the august body selecting the organisation as the World’s Leading Tourist Board for the second consecutive year.

“The regional upsurge could likely be attributed to GCC travellers opting to spend time in a destination they associate with safety for their families and with more of them choosing to holiday in July ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan when they wish to be at home with their families,” said Lawrence Franklin, strategy & policy director, ADTA.

“The destination also benefitted from tactical product and promotional activities This included across-the-board advertising and a regional road show which engaged both the GCC media and trade partners in neighbouring countries.

“We are also benefitting from increased awareness of Abu Dhabi’s offering resulting from greater product packaging in conjunction with stakeholders, such as the Etihad Airways-led Essential Abu Dhabi marketing programme, which are resonating with our expanding GCC trade partner network and the end consumer,” he concluded.

City.Mobi

Also in the United Arab Emirates today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Abu Dhabi.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

AbuDhabi.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.