Lifting of visa restrictions for Chinese tourists contributes to rise in hotel guests
The hospitality market in Abu Dhabi registered a 5% increase in occupancy levels in the first quarter of 2018, according to JLL's Q1 2018 Real Estate Market Overview Report.
According to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the number of guests staying at hotels in the emirate earlier this year rose by 15% (compared to Q1 2017) to reach 405,850. In its press release, JLL noted that the increase was in part driven by visas being granted on arrival for Chinese vistors, Abu Dhabi's largest overseas source market, ahead of India and the UK.
“With the UAE now undertaking increased business with China, the hospitality sector has witnessed positive sentiment,” said Peter Stebbings, Head of JLL’s Abu Dhabi office.
“The notable increase of Chinese visitors is supported by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism Authority's investment into Baidu, the Chinese equivalent of Google, which commenced in Q4 of 2017.
Attractions such as the opening of The Louvre Museum continued to boost visitor numbers from France,” he added. JLL also make mention that other sectors of the market saw soft conditions, with the residential sector continuing to soften in Q1.
“The most significant news for this market was the announced joint venture between Aldar and Emaar, which will provide the first opportunity for the Dubai based company to undertake projects in the capital (with Saadiyat Grove being the first such project),” said the consultant. Looking at the office sector, JLL said that the sector remained relatively stable in Q1.
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