bu Dhabi aims to welcome over 24 million visitors to the emirate by the end of 2023, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, confirmed the new performance targets ahead of the Arabian Travel Market 2023, according to a statement by Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The announcement follows an impressive surge in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector in 2022, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 70 percent, surpassing the Middle East average of 67 percent, and a 13 percent increase in visitor numbers, with a total of 18 million tourists arriving in the emirate.
The highest number of international visitors to Abu Dhabi came from India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (USA), respectively.
The increase in domestic and international market performance is credited to increased destination awareness and consideration of Abu Dhabi’s increased range of year-round entertainment and sporting events, as well as trade events and roadshows.
According to Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, the emirate is committed to delivering on its ambitious goals for 2023.
“The success we have achieved so far inspires us to strive for more. We are committed to deliver on our ambitions for 2023 by further elevating the successful strategy of creating and delivering unique experiences for everyone to enjoy and diverse range of year-round events for visitors in collaboration with our global IP partners. This is complemented by a MICE industry that continues to thrive, owing to the emirate’s world-leading venues, hotels and supporting facilities,” he said.
Last year, Abu Dhabi successfully hosted over 100 events during a 180-day period, featuring A-list global talents, which included Grammy award-winning icon Sting, K-pop sensations BLACKPINK, and Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman.
The emirate also played host to popular homegrown family festivals such as the Mother of the Nation (MOTN) and LIWA festivals.
Abu Dhabi further established itself as a premier destination for global sports by hosting key events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA, and UFC, drawing in massive crowds and garnering global attention.
In 2022, DCT Abu Dhabi launched two tourism campaigns: ‘Experience Abu Dhabi, Find Your Pace’ and ‘Summer Like You Mean It’. The department is “determined to offer even more ambitious campaigns and events in 2023 to showcase its commitment to providing memorable experiences to a worldwide audience, leveraging the strength of its partnerships,” the statement added.