Abu Dhabi cuts tourism targets amid global crisis

Tourism targets for the number of visitors coming to Abu Dhabi have been cut by the government in acknowledgement of the global crisis, it was reported on Tuesday.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) had said it was looking to attract 2.7 million visitors to the capital by 2012, but that figure has now been revised to 2.3 million, according to ADTA chairman Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon.

The increase still amounted to a 50 percent growth on current figures, which stood at 1.5 million last year, he said, adding that tourism was still a key component in teh capital's diversification plans.  

“We have reviewed our forecasts in light of the current economic climate and will continue to do so,” Sheikh Sultan said during his opening speech at the MegaTrends conference in Abu Dhabi on Monday, according to UAE daily The National.

Sheikh Sultan's comments come just weeks after the ADTA revealed that it had seen a drop off in tourist numbers from Europe and developed markets this year - but no figures were issued.  

At the time Dayne Lim Kok Chun, products development division director at ADTA, said the data would not affect the 2.7million target for 2012.

On Monday Sheikh Sultan told delegates that he expected to see a similar number of visitors come to Abu Dhabi this year as last year, followed by a 10 percent growth in hotel guest arrivals next year.

By 2011 growth should have returned to an average of 15 percent year on year – the same growth that was enjoyed between 2004 and 2008 – he added.

“We are fortunate in that our forecasts were made on a very conservative basis,” said Sheikh Sultan. “We do not want to over promise and under deliver.”

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