More guests have checked into Abu Dhabi’s 146 hotels and hotel apartments in the first seven months of 2013 than in any other comparative period, according to figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. Figures show that from January–July, guest arrivals topped 1.5 million – a ten per cent increase on the same period in 2012. The arrivals delivered almost 4.8 million guest nights – up 23 per cent on 2012, with guests staying an average of 3.17 nights – up 12 per cent on 2012 and driving occupancy up by seven per cent to 68 per cent. The UK is Abu Dhabi’s second largest overseas market with 86,284 Britons staying in Abu Dhabi’s hotels in the first seven months of 2013, a climb of eight per cent on 2012. They delivered 406,475 guest nights, up by a fifth on 2012, staying an average of 4.71 nights – up 11 per cent on 2012. India remains the largest market for the destination. “These results make encouraging reading considering that hotel inventory in the emirate has grown from 137 properties and 23,613 rooms in 2012 to 146 locations offering 25,300 rooms this year,” said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi. “With the final quarter ahead of us which is packed with major events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Art, the Seatrade Middle East Forum and the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, the best results could be yet to come.”