destination reports: abu dhabi: Releasing supply
Releasing supply
To accommodate the expected influx of visitors as the tourism plan unfolds, Abu Dhabi plans to boost the number of hotel rooms on offer from 17,500 today to 30,000 by 2013.
Abu Dhabi’s accommodation profile is consistently attracting some of the world’s biggest brand names. Seven hotels opened on Yas Island ahead of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, six of which are operated by internationally renowned brands, and the list is growing with Aloft, Westin, Angsana, Anantara, Fairmont, St. Regis, Rosewood and Rocco Forte all heading to the capital.
“With the high occupancy levels in Abu Dhabi it has in the past been a challenge to secure a large number of rooms for a very large conference or event, say 500 to 1,000 rooms or more. With the seven hotels in walking distance of each other on Yas Island, this size of event is entirely feasible,” says Stephen Banks, director of sales & marketing, Aldar Hotels & Hospitality.
And Abu Dhabi is broadening its range of hotel product, with four- and three-star properties also targeted in order to meet the diverse accommodation needs – and budgets – of visiting business travellers.
"Mid-tier hotel products are very important. Exhibitors here don't care about staying in five-star hotels. They spend a whole day in the exhibition centre and they want to go home, have a shower and sleep. Previously, we didn't have enough product to service that sector but now there are a lot of three- and four-star brands under construction,” says ADTA’s Al Muhairi.
He adds that this will also help to bring down the traditionally high hotel rates that the capital has earned a reputation for, and which have seen it hit the headlines as the second most expensive global destination for business travellers. “One of the issues that has always been raised by organisers is that hotel rates are high but that's because there's always been a shortage of accommodation. But with more accommodation and options available for businesses rates will go down,” he adds.
But as room rates adjust, quality standards are on the rise – and under the microscope – with ADTA recently introducing a new sustainable hotel accommodation classification system, produced in close collaboration with the private sector and which features a ground-breaking online facility.
As of June 2010, the distinctive ADTA classification signs will go up outside accommodation properties throughout the emirate and the system is also expected to be a guideline for developers playing a key role in supplying new inventory to fulfil the emirate’s long-term need.
Says Al Muhairi: “This is a major step forward in the delivery of destination integrity. It will provide much-needed consistency to tour operators selling the destination, successfully manage the expectations of our respected visitors and ultimately ensure a level of quality performance from all the emirate’s accommodation providers in line with the development of a world-class destination.”
With a daily growing menu of international hotel brands, one of the largest events facilities in the Middle East, a truly diverse array of cultural attractions and an exciting calendar of sporting events, Abu Dhabi is certainly on its way to ticking all the right boxes for the world’s meeting planners.
