Abu Dhabi has seen a 10 per cent rise in the number of guests staying in the emirate’s hotels during the first quarter compared to last year, with increases also recorded for guest nights, occupancy levels, revenue and length of stay.

According to the latest figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), some 510,114 guests stayed in the emirate’s hotels in the first three months of this year producing 1.56 million guest nights – up by a quarter on 2010.

March alone achieved a 9 per cent rise in hotel guests with some 180,931 people checking into the emirate’s hotels, it added.

“It’s been a sterling first quarter performance much of which is due to the dynamic programme of events, both business and leisure, which have taken place here over the past three months,' remarked Lawrence Franklin, director of Strategy & Policy, ADTA.

'These, combined with the pull of the Yas Island Weekends which are serving up an enticing mix of entertainment, hotels deals, golf and visits to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, have kept the momentum going with the impact evident in the 13 per cent rise in average length of stay to just over three nights,' Franklin noted.

'We have also benefited from our reputation as a safe and stable destination during the period of uncertainty being experienced by some Arab nations,' he added.

While the Q1 mainstay was the domestic market, the UK came in as the top overseas producer with some 37,710 guests during the quarter – a 20 per cent rise on 2010, said the ADTA official.

'India rose to be the second largest overseas producer with its 23,614 Q1 turnout being up 28 per cent at the same time last year. The US was in third place with 23,190 guests posting a 6 per cent rise in the year.

Regionally Saudi Arabia proved to be the top GCC source market with some 13,119 guests – up 44 per cent on 2010 producing 29,327 guest nights – a rise of 69 per cent on last year and leaving the Kingdom in sixth place on the international market rankings.

Abu Dhabi’s occupancy rate for the quarter was a healthy 72 per cent - up 10 per cent on 2010 with room revenue climbing 6 per cent to Dh679 million. Food & beverage revenue rose 12 per cent to Dh433 million.

The first quarter’s 15 per cent drop in average room rate is largely attributed to increased competition in the Abu Dhabi market which now boasts 18,800 hotel rooms with a further 4,000 due on line by the end of the year.

“Overall the prognosis is good,” said Franklin. “We have set our sights on 2 million hotel guests this year and if the Q1 performance can be sustained throughout the remainder of 2011, we will certainly achieve our target,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service