A total of 2,806,283 guests checked into Abu Dhabi's 150 hotels and hotel apartments in 2013, up 18 per cent on 2012, according to figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

Abu Dhabi's hotels have witnessed their best ever year and the outstanding result means the emirate has smashed its target of 2.5 million hotel guests in 2013.

The UK remains Abu Dhabi's second largest overseas market with 162,973 Britons checking into the emirate's hotels last year, a 16 percent increase on 2012. British guests accounted for 763,151 guest nights - an increase of 25 per cent year on year - with an average length of stay of 4.68 nights, again up seven percent on 2012.  

"This is a highly satisfying performance, particularly as we have seen 13 more hotels and hotel apartments open throughout 2013. We now have just over 26,000 hotel rooms, a ten per cent increase on 2012," said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"As we have now achieved the original hotel guest targets set for 2014, we have reviewed our goals and are uplifting our sights by 10 per cent. We are now looking to achieve 3.1 million hotel guests in 2014, with a 10 per cent year on year compounded growth in the near term."

The 2013 guest intake delivered close to 8.8 million guest nights, a 26 per cent increase on 2012, with total revenue reaching almost £902 million, up 18 per cent. The average length of stay in 2013 came in at 3.13 nights, an increase of seven per cent, whilst occupancy rate was 71 per cent, up 9 per cent year on year.  Room revenue for 2013 was close to £468 million, up 21 per cent on 2012, with food and beverage income representing close to £346 million - an increase of 17 per cent. The average room rate slipped to £74, a decrease of one per cent on 2012.

"With new initiatives coming to market, including one which will incentivise the private events sector to bring their products to Abu Dhabi, We are quietly optimistic about reaching our revised 2014 target" said Sheikh Sultan.

"Last year's excellent performance was achieved through greater stakeholder engagement, along with the solid support of a growing and highly pro-active stakeholder base. We would like to thank our stakeholders for their efforts and we believe that together, with a one-destination approach, we can continue our upward momentum."

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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.