Significant increase in visitors to Abu Dhabi

Visitor arrivals to Abu Dhabi rose by 13% in 2012, with the most noticeable increase being among in visitors from Asia and Africa.

Bucking the GFC, the recession the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (ADTCA) exceeded its target of 2.3 million hotel guests by almost 100,000.

Within the numbers, visitors from India, China and the Philippines accounted for most of the 28% increase in traffic from Asia.

ADTCA has set a target of 2.5 million visitors in 2013 and hopes that enhanced airline connections with Washington D.C. and Brazil will bring in more visitors from North and South America.
Meanwhile, the Emirate has seen the opening of a new public beach on the southern shore of Yas Island.

Open daily from 10am to 7pm, beach is a place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy sun, sea, sand, food and drinks.

Admission, which includes beach towel and sun lounger, is AED 50 (US $13.60) for adults and AED 25 (US $6.80) for children aged 12-16. Children under 12 enter free.

Guests staying at Yas Plaza hotels have complimentary beach access on presentation of their room card or hotel voucher.

For more information go to http://www.yasisland.ae/