The number of hotel guests staying in Abu Dhabi during the first four months of the year increased by 7.3 per cent compared to the same period last year, boosted by key international markets registering impressive percentage gains.

In total reached 1,724,967 hotel guests stayed in the emirate’s 162 hotels and hotel apartments from January to April, reported Emirates news agency Wam, citing figures disclosed by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

During April, the numbers of visitors from leading international source market China increased by 9.6 per cent to number 37,300, Indian guest figures increased by 15.9 per cent to number 32,400 and the US increased by 16.2 per cent to reach 15,900.

The figures mean that Abu Dhabi’s aim of achieving another record-breaking year for hotel guest is still on target. Last year, just below five million visitors stayed in Abu Dhabi city, Al Al Ain Region and the Al Dhafra Region’s range of accommodation and 2018’s figures so far put the emirate on track to surpass this impressive figure.

UAE-based guests into the emirate also increased in the first four months of the year, to 489,081 visitors, up from 2017’s total of 488,881 for the same period.

All three regions registered hotel guest rises for the four months of the year, with Al Dhafra leading the way with an 11.7 per cent rise, followed by Abu Dhabi city with 7.6 per cent rise and Al Ain with a 3.2 per cent rise.

From January until April, China maintained its position as the leading international hotel guest supplier for Abu Dhabi, with more than 164,500 Chinese staying in the emirate – an increase of 25.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2017. Indian visitors surged past 132,000 and showed a 26.8 per cent increase, but still maintained second place for overseas guest arrivals. The US market registered a 22.2 per cent increase, the UK up 13.7 per cent and Germany are up 16.9 per cent.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Under-Secretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "Our hard work so far this year is reaping solid dividends, as these figures show. We are making good progress in attracting more people to explore our emirate, as we make sure awareness of our touristic and cultural proposition is communicated effectively and efficiently to our global markets. Our diversity of attractions, the ever-growing year-round programme of events, and our established credentials for business and conventions provide us with persuasive reasons for travellers to choose the emirate as a logical visit destination."

"Our continued use of targeted messages to key source markets is being rewarded with solid growth as global awareness increases. We aim to be seen as a ‘must visit’ destination, built on deep cultural heritage and unique Arabian experiences. We are pleased to be so far on track to beat 2017’s numbers, but we are well aware that challenges are ever present, as we bid to boost the Abu Dhabi economy and support our drive for economic diversification," he added.