The number of hotel guests staying in the emirate’s 163 hotels and hotel apartments in March reached 464,960, representing an increase of 12.3 percent compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The total number of hotel guests in the first three months of the year was 1,289,537, a year-on-year increase of 10.9 percent with key international markets registering impressive percentage gains.

During the month, the numbers of visitors from leading international source market China increased by 15.4 percent to number 40,800, Indian guests increased by 32 percent to number 35,200 and the UK increased by 24 percent to reach 28,000. Other key markets, notably the United States and Germany, also registered double-digit increases with the US up 29 percent to 19,300 and Germany rising 36 percent to 18,800 guests.

The impressive figures follow a record-breaking 2017 when just shy of five million visitors stayed in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra’s range of accommodation.

UAE-based guests also increased in March to 134,631, a rise from March 2017’s total of 130,125.

All three regions registered hotel guest rises with Al Dhafra leading the way with a 22.7 percent rise, followed by Abu Dhabi city with 12.8 percent rise and Al Ain with a 5.3 percent rise.

The first quarter of this year has seen China maintain its position as leading international hotel guest supplier, with more than 127,000 Chinese staying in the emirate – an increase of 31 percent compared to the same period in 2017. Indian visitors have surged past 100,000 and showed a 30 percent increase while the UK registered a 25 percent increase, the US up 24 percent and Germany up 27 percent.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "Our progress in attracting more people to explore the emirate as a visitor destination is a testament to our continuous investment into Abu Dhabi’s diverse range of attractions and year-round programme of events.

"Our targeted marketing investment in key source markets is being rewarded with impressive double-digit growth as our global awareness grows and we develop into a ‘must visit’ destination built on unique experiences and rich cultural heritage. We have an ambitious target of attracting 8.5 million guests a year by 2021 which will provide a significant boost to the economy and support our drive for economic diversification."

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