The tourism season in Abu Dhabi has been brisk according to recent news reports and this is attributed to strong efforts by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, Etihad Airlines, and Emirates Palace, Hotels and Reports. The Liwa Dates Festival 2009, promotional tourism offers, and tours to palm oasis in Abu Dhabi have helped to attract tourists. Abu Dhabi hotels and resorts maintained full occupancy not just in winter but into spring and throughout the rest of the year.
Abu Dhabi cut room rates up to 40% this year, helping to push the occupancy rate to more than 75% for the first time. The start of the new academic year was deferred until after Eidul Fitre on 23 September, and this also contributed the rise in tourism this season.
