25/07/2011 | C. Martin
Tourism bosses in Abu Dhabi plan to step up efforts to promote the emirate as an attractive destination for luxury holidays as the country enjoys strong growth in visitor numbers.
The number of guests staying in the city's hotels rose from 1.54 million in 2009 to 1.81 million last year. It is expected to grow further this year to two million.
However just a quarter of the travellers staying at hotels and hotel apartments are holidaymakers and the bigger proportion is made up of business travellers.
Many leisure travellers stay with friends and relatives and they account for a higher 40% of overall visitor arrivals, with 60% coming to Abu Dhabi on business purposes.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) wants to improve the ratio of holidaymakers among hotel guests and is keen to promote places such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort and the golf retreats of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
Families on all-inclusive holidays to Abu Dhabi can visit attractions including the Ferrari World theme park and Yas Marina Circuit.
Copyright Press Association 2011