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Abu Dhabi Experiencing 90pc Hotel Occupancy

ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi is currently experiencing a heavy demand for hotel accommodation, with hotels achieving 85-90pc occupancy for most of the year despite the global financial meltdown.

Disclosing this in a statement Ali Al Hosani, who is the Director of Promotions at the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) said the hoteliers here remained bullish about prospects for 2009. “Actually we we have pent-up demand,” he said.

“Nevertheless, given the long-term projections of 26,600 rooms in total throughout the entire emirate by 2012 and 30,000 by 2013 it is essential we work to ensure increased international awareness to sustain demand. This is all part of a longer term plan for Abu Dhabi emirate leading up to 2030 to establish a world class tourism destination and industry,” the statement issued here on Monday said.

ADTA is to mount pavilions at 17 overseas exhibitions across 11 countries in 2009 — three more than in 2008.

Promotional shows at the China Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) in Shanghai next September, at the TTG Incontri leisure show in Rimini, Italy during October and at the China Internal Travel Marketing in Kunming, China in November are the three new additions to the list ADTA’S overseas exhibitions

“The new exhibition additions reflect our commitment to the lucrative and expanding Chinese market, which is currently achieving business in excess of 10 billion Euros a year, according to the MICE China survey. This business is estimated to increase five-fold by 2020 and with the expansion of business tourism proposition the UAE capital is trying to get firmly established on the radar of China’s key buyers,” explained Ali Al Hosani.

· ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae