Tag Archives: DCT Abu Dhabi

The number of hotel guests staying in the emirate’s 162 hotels and hotel apartments increased by 7.3 per cent for the first four months of 2018, compared to the same period last year to number 1,724,967, according to figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The total number of hotel guests was boosted by key international markets registering impressive percentage gains. 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 impressive 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 across the first four months of the year, to number 489,081, a rise from 2017’s total of 488,881 for the same period. From January until April, China has 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% compared to the same period in 2017. Indian visitors have surged past 132,000 and showed a 26.8% increase, but still maintain second place for overseas guest arrivals. The US market registered a 22.2% increase, the UK up 13.7% and Germany are up 16.9%.

A tourism delegation led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) visited three major cities in China this month, to help raise awareness about the emirate as a holiday destination for Chinese travellers. The delegation, which included Etihad Airways, hotels, tour operators and attractions, first visited capital city Beijing, followed by Nanjing and finally Guangzhou, for its annual roadshow. China is now the leading overseas source market for Abu Dhabi hotel guests, with the latest figures revealing a 40.9 per cent increase, year-to-date, from visitors from China compared to 2017. In the first two months of 2018, 86,400 Chinese visited the emirate, with February alone accounting for an impressive 83.6 per cent increase. The Department is targeting 600,000 Chinese hotel guests a year by 2021. DCT Abu Dhabi has been spearheading a number of delegations visiting the Chinese market on roadshows and promotional exhibitions. Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions and Overseas Offices, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “With a diverse range of leisure, entertainment options, high-quality hotels and shopping malls, Abu Dhabi will continue to position itself as an attractive destination for Chinese travellers. Moving forward, we will continue to promote Abu Dhabi’s unique offerings focused on presenting the best culturally-enriching experiences to our Chinese visitors who are seeking to experience new cultures.”

Hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2018 kicked off in Al Ain Region, as part of the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2018 (PATA ATRTCM). Participants engaged through pre-matched appointments, and face-to-face meetings with adventure product buyers and sellers from across the world. HE Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, Tourism Sector, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “We would like to thank all the delegates for taking part in all the meeting at the PATA Travel Mart this year. We strongly believe in the need to create strong partnerships between the private and public sectors to drive the industry forward.  Our aim to host and attract conferences is to make Abu Dhabi the place to engage with all of our international stakeholders, and exchange knowledge which would benefit our economies and communities.” To conclude the successful conference, delegates took part in a day tour of Al Ain to experience Abu Dhabi’s top tourism offerings, including the Al Ain National Museum and Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, amongst other renowned cultural and heritage sites.

For the first time, Al Ain Region hosted the Pacific Asia Travel Association Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2018 (PATA ATRTCM), organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). A number of workshops and plenary sessions was hosted by industry experts and visionaries from across the globe. Key speakers including HE Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, Tourism Sector, DCT Abu Dhabi; Dr. Mario Hardy, Chief Executive Officer, PATA, Thailand; Norie Quintos, Editor at Large, National Geographic Travel and Independent Communications Consultant, USA, explored the trends and dynamics of one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. Themed on ‘Adventure in a New Era’, the event offered delegations from across the Asia Pacific region a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and unlock the potential of the adventure tourism sector in the digital era. The conference was followed by a travel mart, in which participants interacted with adventure product buyers and sellers from across the world.