The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Reports Positive Signs of Recovery for Tourism Sector

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Reports Positive Signs of Recovery for Tourism Sector

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) held its quarterly industry development committee meeting this week, bringing together stakeholders and leading entities from across the tourism sector to share the latest updates on the status of tourism activity in the emirate. The meeting offered promising signs of recovery for the sector, as well as a glimpse into future projects and plans to boost tourism in the emirate. The meeting included an overview of the revenues and outcomes of tourism activity within the third quarter (Q3) of the year, demonstrating the sector's recovery trajectory after an abrupt slowdown in the second quarter (Q2) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within Q3, Abu Dhabi achieved the highest hotel occupancy rates and the third highest revenue per room in the region. Relative to Q2, hotel revenues saw an increase of 46%, with a 95% increase in the number of guests. The recovery of the sector was further demonstrated through an estimated 83% increase in footfall at malls across the emirate, and a 119% increase in airline bookings. Seating capacity for all airlines operating in Abu Dhabi was also increased by 364% during this period. This was attributed to the boost in