Abu Dhabi achieved record numbers of hotel guests in 2016, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) figures reveal.

The emirate received more than 4.4 million guest arrivals last year, up 8% on 2015.

Statistics across guest nights, average length of stay and revenues also revealed strong results, with 12,031,628 guest nights reported.

TCA Abu Dhabi director general HE Saif Saeed Ghobash said: “These exceptional results demonstrate the emirate’s growing international appeal, as well as our ongoing successes in positioning Abu Dhabi as a distinctive global destination built on unique experiences, rich cultural heritage as well as unlimited opportunities for family leisure and MICE events.”

India retains its position as the largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi with growth of 15% to 323,388 in guest arrivals.

The UK is the second largest international market with 238,167 arrivals in 2016.

Meanwhile, China has moved up the rankings to third place with a 31% in arrivals thanks to several initiatives including dedicated Weibo and Wechat online channels and a visa on arrival scheme.

Domestic tourism accounted for one -hird of all hotel guests last year, with Saudi Arabia continuing an established trajectory as the emirate’s most important regional market.