Abu Dhabi’s western region (Al Gharbia) has seen tourism growth over the last five years, according to Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

It stated that hotel guest numbers in Al Gharbia increased 205 per cent from 2008 to 2012, rising from 30,070 to 92,000, while guest room nights grew by 113 per cent to 288,000 over the same period.

Total revenue generated by hotels in the region doubled since 2009, with TCA Abu Dhabi predicting that 2013 figures will top Dh235 million ($64 million), it said.

“The story of Al Gharbia’s tourism industry is one of a segment developing at a measured pace through public and private sector investment.The potential it holds going forward is positive,” said Mohammed Al Dhaheri, quality & performance management manager, at the Al Gharbia Development Forum held on May 27.

Al Dhaheri said would-be investors could look into as yet untapped tourism development areas.

Building the average length of stay would result from enhanced product development, said Al Dhaheri. Last year hotel guests stayed on average 3.13 days.

Several resorts and hotels in the region are in the process of further adding to their offering, to help raise the profile of the area, he said. - TradeArabia News Service