Figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) reveal a 19 per cent increase in visitors to Abu Dhabi last month. The destination's hotels welcomed 226,002 guests in September, generating 714,577 nights, an increase of 26 per cent. 

The UK remains the emirate's second largest overseas market with 109,330 Britons checking into Abu Dhabi hotels in the first nine months of this year - a 10 per cent increase on 2012. British guests accounted for 518,571 guest nights - an increase of 21 per cent year-on-year - with an average length of stay of 4.74 nights, again up 10 per cent on the previous year.

September's guest intake means in the first nine months of this year, 1,981,732 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi's 148 hotels and hotel apartments - a 14 per cent increase on 2012. Guest nights achieved from January to September end came in at 6,195,319 - up 25 per cent year-on-year. Average length of stay for the first nine months has risen 10 per cent to 3.13 nights while occupancy rose eight per cent to 68 per cent. Average room rate in Abu Dhabi in the first nine months of this year has fallen two per cent on 2012 and now comes in at £70 (AED419).

"Although obviously pleased with the increase in guest numbers, particularly given we now have 13 per cent more rooms available than this time last year, we are also greatly encouraged by an increasing trend towards longer stays by individuals with the average length of stay now reaching 3.16 nights - which is a six per cent rise on September last year," said His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"We have focused strongly this year on convincing visitors that there is now much more to see and do in Abu Dhabi emirate - as evidenced by a slew of resort and attractions openings this year  - and we will continue to build on this proposition as we target an average length of stay of over the four night mark."

"We look forward to strong returns from October when hotels benefitted from the Eid Al Adha break and, of course, from the final quarter overall as we approach a hectic season of major events, including the headline Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and a range of events and attraction offerings planned for the UAE National Day weekend," added Al Muhairi.

"We are quietly confident of reaching our year-end target of 2.5 million hotel guests anticipating a busy final quarter boosted by seasonal advantages, an increase in MICE and convention business and arrivals attracted by the destination's back-to-back events programme."

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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.