Figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) show that the UK is the emirate's best performing international guest market.

During February 2013 some 12,595 UK guests stayed in the emirate's 141 hotels and hotel apartments - a 10% rise on the same month in 2012. They accounted for 61,309 guest nights, an increase of 20% on the previous year. 

UK travellers visiting Abu Dhabi are also staying longer, with the average length of stay of UK visitors in February 2013 increasing by 9% to 4.45 nights. 

Overall, Abu Dhabi generated double digit growth in total guest nights, revenue, occupancy and average length of stay in February 2013. Figures show 196,518 guests stayed in the emirate in February 2013, an increase of 7% on the same month in 2012, and delivered 676,445 guest nights - a 23% rise on the previous year. The average length of stay climbed 15% during the month-on-month comparison to stand at 3.44 nights. February's performance means that in the first two months of 2013, Abu Dhabi is riding a 5% upturn in guest arrivals on year-to-date comparisons with 2012.

Major events helped drive February's performance with the emirate hosting its annual Gourmet Abu Dhabi; a gastronomic extravaganza featuring a star-studded cast of Michelin-star chefs and special guests. The event includes master classes, industry insights from hospitality experts, and Chateau and gourmet dinners hosted by a range of the UAE capital's finest hotels.

"The fundamentals show that people are staying longer in the emirate which demonstrates that our message of there now being so much more to see and do thanks to expanded resort, attractions and business events offerings is resonating well," said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"We are well placed to make a lasting and positive impression among the many industry leaders who will join us in Abu Dhabi this April for the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit 2013. We will use this pre-eminent forum to make clear our ambitions and persuade these influencers that our time as a balanced leisure/business destination has come."

The World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit (WTTC) will hold its 13th Global Summit in the emirate between 8 - 10 April 2013. WTTC's decision was based on Abu Dhabi's compelling presentation, the enthusiasm of government and industry agencies, accessibility of the destination, a high standard of capability and evidence of green tourism growth as a key development strategy.

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Results PR
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Email: TeamAbuDhabi@resultspr.co.uk

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority:
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) 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. 

TCA Abu Dhabi 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.