Figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority show that Abu Dhabi achieved an uplift of 26 per cent in hotel guest arrivals last month compared to July 2013.

Guest nights climbed 20 per cent year-on-year, occupancy nudged up three per cent and overall revenue rose by 14 per cent.

In total 215,286 guests checked into the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments in July.

This represents 653,165 guest nights, with accommodation occupancy coming in at 55 per cent.

Hotel revenues for the month were AED317 million, with food & beverage accounting for AED126,416,52, which is up nine per cent year-on-year.

Occupancy varied considerably throughout the month varying from 52 per cent for Ramadan with a high of 81 per cent during Eid Al Fitr.

“A full programme of Abu Dhabi Summer Season and cultural events along with the Eid breaks helped build these figures,” said Jasem Al Darmaki, deputy director general, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“Though there is always additional ground to cover, we have to see the advances made against the backdrop of a destination which has seen a ten per cent increase in hotel room inventory this year compared to last.”

Abu Dhabi emirate now has 157 hotels and hotel apartments offering a total of 27,928 rooms.