The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) on Monday released tourism figures reflecting robust performance of the tourism sector in the country. Rise in hotel guests pushed occupancy levels up nine per cent to 65 per cent during the month of July. Total revenue surged six per cent to Dh271 million, indicating huge rise in number of guests visiting the Gulf nation.

A large number of people from the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) region visited Abu Dhabi for taking part in various activities Around 189,000 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi's hotels and hotel apartments in July. Guests from the GCC region soared 98 per cent while those from the wider Arab market increased by 44 per cent, according to a statement by ADTA.

Lawrence Franklin, Strategy & Policy Director at the ADTA, said, "The regional upsurge could likely be attributed to GCC travellers opting to spend time in a destination they associate with safety for their families and with more of them choosing to holiday in July ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan when they wish to be at home with their families."

Lawrence Franklin, strategy & policy director at ADTA claimed that average room rates declined 15% on July 2010 to AED 372.55 (US $102)