Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) in consultation with its stakeholders and the Western Region Development Council launched a tourist map of Al Gharbia (Western Region). The map spans two-thirds of the emirate, open desert, oasis towns, secluded beaches, island experiences, coastline and diverse experiences all collated into a compact fold-out map. “We want to help attract more visitors to the region’s festivals and attractions, and increase average-length -of-stay at its hotels,” said Saeed Al Dhaheri, customer service section manager, TCA Abu Dhabi. The Al Gharbia map comes at a time of sustained tourism growth and improved accommodation options in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, with guest numbers rising from 30,070 to 92,000 during the five years to 2013 – an increase of 205% – whilst guest room nights grew by 113% to 288,000 over the same period. In the first six months of this year some 53,002 guests stayed in Al Gharbia hotels – up 17% on the same period last year – delivering 137,938 guest nights, which was up 10% year-on-year. Guests now stay in Al Gharbia hotels and resorts for an average of 2.85 nights. Source: Travel Daily