Around 59,518 Chinese visitors checked into Abu Dhabi's hotels and resorts during the first six months of the year, which was a 189% increase over the first half of 2013. Chinese guests delivered 105,915 guest nights, which was up 171% year-on-year.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, is working closely with its industry stakeholders on a number of key initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Chinese visitors to the emirate and encouraging those who do come to stay longer.
News of the initiatives and their aims was spelt out at the opening of the third Chinese Visitor Summit which runs this week at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel and which is being attended by 75 top Chinese travel agents and tour operators and a contingent of Chinese media.
Welcoming the Chinese delegation to Abu Dhabi, Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau – which is a dedicated TCA Abu Dhabi entity –said the emirate has made significant progress in the number of Chinese visitors it attracts to its hotels but there is stillroom for growth.
"At the launch of this summit three years ago, China had just entered our Top 20 markets for hotel guests, today it is our 8th most productive overseas market," he said.
"We're obviously delighted with this progress but face a challenge," said Al Shamisi. "Our Chinese guests don't stay with us long enough – just 1.78 nights on average – we want more Chinese guests and we want those that do come to stay longer." Al Shamisi told the summit delegates that Abu Dhabi had the right product mix for Chinese tourists including great, tax-free shopping which would be enhanced this November with the opening of the expansive Yas Mall – the U.A.E.'s second largest – on Yas Island.
The upmarket The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island has already recognised the value of the Chinese shopper having staged the emirate's first major Chinese New Year celebration last February, said Al Shamisi.
"Next February, The Galleria will stage another Chinese New Year celebration, which we are supporting, complete with lanterns, entertainment and fireworks."