Abu Dhabi tourism witnesses third-quarter rebound

Abu Dhabi tourism witnesses third-quarter rebound

Abu Dhabi's tourism is on the road to recovery, with the emirate achieving the region's highest hotel occupancy and third-highest revenue per room rates in the third quarter of 2020.

Relative to Q2, hotel revenues saw an increase of 46 percent, with a 95 percent increase in the number of guests, as discussed in the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)'s quarterly industry development committee meeting.

The recovery of the sector was further demonstrated through an estimated 83 percent increase in footfall at malls across the emirate, and a 119 percent increase in airline bookings. Seating capacity for all airlines operating in Abu Dhabi was also increased by 364 percent during this period.

This was attributed to the boost in domestic tourism activity led by DCT Abu Dhabi through campaigns and initiatives such as ‘Go Safe', ‘Unbox Amazing' and ‘Rediscover Abu Dhabi'.

“Despite the profound disruptions caused by restrictions to public mobility, the positive indicators we have seen in the third quarter of this year are a testament to the agility and adaptability of Abu Dhabi's tourism industry in response to the evolving market landscape,” said Saood Al Hosani, acting undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi.

“Alongside the launch of Air