Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
2024 has been a bumper year for tourism in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE capital's hotels hosted 4.8 million guests year-to-date (YTD) as of October 2024, showing a phenomenal 26% increase in international guests compared to 2023, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) reported.
DCT Abu Dhabi hosted more than 3.9 million visitors to its cultural events and landmarks YTD October, 21% up from last year.
The emirate's cultural sites, libraries and museums received over 3.9 million visitors this year as of October - a 21% increase compared to 2023.
Abu Dhabi Airports showed exceptional YTD traffic growth, welcoming 21.7 million passengers as of September 30 - representing a 31.2% hike up on the same period in 2023.
This growth has been driven by airlines expanding their networks, as well as the addition of new airlines. National carrier Etihad Airways announced the launch of 10 new routes this year, drawing even more travellers to its airports.
However, Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the industry was also reaping the rewards of its game-changing strategy.
"We are guided by a bold vision set forth in the refreshed Tourism Strategy 2030 and Culture Strategy, and the results we've shared underscore Abu Dhabi's commitment to excellence and sustainable growth and highlight the impact of coordinated efforts in destination and cultural development," he said.
"By crafting authentic experiences, developing our infrastructure, and fostering talent, community engagement, and key partnerships, we are shaping the emirate into a thriving global leader in the tourism and culture sector."
DCT Abu Dhabi focused on 25 targeted initiatives across the strategy's four key pillars: offering and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing and regulation.
The strategy included expanding into new international markets, trade initiatives such as roadshows, training programmes, and collaboration with travel partners designed to lift Abu Dhabi's global profile as a top destination for leisure, entertainment, business events, arts and culture, heritage, and more.
Local tour operators are feeling the difference and are also cashing in on the tourism boom.
Boney Kuriakose, assisting marketing manager at Emirates Tours & Safari, said year-on-year he's witnessed a steady increase in business, but 2024 has been exceptional.
"There has been an incremental increase, in my opinion, of at least 5%," he told Aletihad.
Kuriakose attributed this to the increase in flight arrivals, driven by Abu Dhabi's enhanced air connectivity.
"The layover programmes are helping visitors to stay in Abu Dhabi.
"We can see more groups and meetings," said Kuriakose, whose company also offers event and wedding packages.
He said Abu Dhabi was becoming an increasingly popular destination due to its competitive airfares, hotel rates and reliable ground support.
The emirate has become a preferred location for Indian weddings, he added.
At international level, the UAE ranked first regionally and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index, leading the way in travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure.
It ranked second globally in infrastructure and services, and third in data comprehensiveness, efficiency of air transport services, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.
A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasted that the UAE's tourism sector's contribution to the national economy would increase to Dh236 billion in 2024, representing 12% of the GDP.
Revenue from hotel in the UAE rose to Dh33.5 billion in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The average hotel occupancy rate across the seven emirates stood at 77.8%.
Hotel nights reached approximately 75.5 million from January to September 2024, marking an 8% increase year-on-year.Abu Dhabi-based hotel giant, Rotana, said 2024 saw an "unprecedented demand for accommodation in the Emirates". And the group, which operates 35 hotels in the UAE, expects a "very busy few months ahead", with both local and international tourists driving the demand.
Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said: "For winter 2024, we expect an increase of 10% in occupancy numbers as the UAE remains one of the top global destinations for both business and leisure travel.
Tannous said the main feeder markets for Abu Dhabi are Indian, Russian and British clientele looking for premium accommodation and entertainment options.
"Abu Dhabi is an enticing destination of choice for those choosing a staycation," he added.
