According to figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), 251,504 visitors stayed in the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments during August 2013 - a 37 per cent increase on the same month in 2012. 

The UK remains the second largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi with 96,923 Britons checking into the emirate - a 9 per cent rise on 2012 - delivering 458,943 guest nights, up 21 per cent - with British guests staying on average close to five nights.

Total guest nights from all international visitors also rose, with some 709,148 overnights clocked - an increase of 36 per cent. The average length of stay remained consistent at 2.82 nights whilst occupancy jumped 17 per cent to 64 per cent.  

August's performance means that in the first eight months of this year 1,755,730 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi - a 13 per cent year-on-year increase. Guest nights have also risen 25 per cent to 5,480,742, with average length of stay leaping ten per cent to 3.12 nights. 

Year to date occupancy grew eight per cent to 68 per cent while revenue climbed 17 per cent to AED 3.3 billion (GBP 555,325) of which AED 1.3 billion (GBP 218,754) came from food and beverage income - a 16 per cent lift on the first eight months of 2012. 

"As we move into 2014 we will focus heavily on the messaging that Abu Dhabi is a luxury, yet highly affordable destination. We now have 146 resorts, hotels and hotel apartments to choose from and a room stock of 25,300," said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi. 

The hotel figures for the first eight months of 2013 leave Abu Dhabi well placed to achieve its 2.5 million guest target for this year. The emirate anticipates a strong year end with a line-up of major events yet to come, including October's EidFest, November's F1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Art and the emirate's major National Day festival weekend in December which encompasses the 10th Al Ain Aerobatics Show, the Coutts Polo At The Palace exclusive gathering, the Seatrade Middle East Forum, the mega Life & Style UAE consumer show and the year-ending Mubadala World Tennis Championships.

-ENDS-

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Results PR
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About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority:
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.