Abu Dhabi targets 2m hotel guests in 2011

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has set a stretch target for 2011 hotel guests of 2 million, up from the current 1.9 million, following a stellar performance by the emirate’s hotels and apartments last year.

The stretch target will require a 10.5 per cent rise in hotel guest numbers on 2010, with the authority urging its industry stakeholders to focus on creative destination packaging and strengthening distribution to achieve the ambitious goal.

“We now have a much enhanced product in place, in terms of infrastructure, attractions and world-class events and the need going forward is to leverage them all in compelling packages which can be distributed internationally to resonate with discerning consumers,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, ADTA.

Last year, Abu Dhabi hotels hosted some 1.81 million guests - 18 per cent more than the previous year and 8 per cent above target. Now ADTA, in raising the benchmark once again, said it will focus on five specific tourism segments to deliver on its aspirations.

Addressing ADTA’s Annual Industry Forum, Al Muhairi said ADTA will concentrate its 2011 efforts on the cruise, golf, educational, events and culture & heritage segments.

“We will invest in these sectors and address all components of the value chain, extending a range of incentives to our partners and tour operators worldwide,” he said. “These are all segments where we now have significant resources, the product to satisfy demand and to differentiate ourselves.”

“Our destination rose superbly to the challenge in 2010 and we believe we can do it again. We have our work cut out for us with another 4,000 plus rooms, in both business and leisure hotels and resorts, due on line this year adding to our existing room stock of 18,844.”

Al Muhairi said the authority will pursue a major international consumer activation programme to spur bookings to the destination allied with a significantly bolstered global brand campaign.

“We have representation on the ground in Moscow and are finalising a dedicated office there, while offices will open in Manhattan, New York and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by the end of the first quarter,” he stated.

ADTA is also readying to roll out the second phase of its global advertising campaign while supporting industry initiatives, such as the Etihad Airways’ Essential Abu Dhabi destination marketing programme with tactical advertising in key markets.

Al Muhairi also urged stakeholders to pro-actively leverage trade and consumer engagement opportunities offered at trade fairs and consumer shows the authority participates in.

Increasing air access to the destination would also expand Abu Dhabi’s geographic outreach.

“We welcome Etihad’s increased services from Jeddah, which have just risen from a daily to 12 flights a week, and its plans to increase frequencies on five key European routes this year. We are also readying to welcome, later this month, V Australia’s thrice-weekly flights from Sydney when it becomes the first Australian carrier to operate to the Middle East since 1991, as well as Cathay Pacific, which plans to fly to Abu Dhabi four times a week from June,” said Al Muhairi.

The director general said two key 2011 milestones represent  substantial opportunities for a proactive local  industry – the 2011/2012 home porting in the UAE capital of the MSC Cruises luxury MSC Lirica liner and the arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet when, for two weeks, Abu Dhabi becomes the host port for the third leg of the ‘Everest of Sailing.’

Meanwhile Al Muhairi said an announcement is imminent on the location and design of the planned Race Village which will be a focal point for upwards of 200,000 spectators, including 4,000 school children and 250 media, expected to welcome the Volvo Ocean Race teams to Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve 2011/New Year’s Day 2012.