Abu Dhabi witnessed an increase in the number of Irish hotel guest numbers to the emirate. This was supported by statistics which disclosed that in the first five months of the year, around 5,451 Irish travellers stayed in Abu Dhabi hotels – a 19% increase over the same period last year. Ireland has now also entered into Abu Dhabi’s top 25 source markets list.

Backing this growth, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) hosted more than 15 top Eire travel and tour operators in Galway, Ireland, as part of the gruelling round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race final showing.

“We are seeing increased interested in Abu Dhabi from the Irish market as local travellers are looking at safe, warm and diverse holiday options,” said Nabeel Al Zarouni, country manager UK & Ireland, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“This race is great for us to promote Abu Dhabi’s water sports credentials to an international yachting audience. With a range of marinas and sailing schools coming online in Abu Dhabi, coupled with natural assets, such as 400km of coastline and 200 natural islands, the potential for would-be skippers and leisure seekers is growing,” Al Zarouni further explained.

According to Abu Dhabi’s 2030 plan, the government hopes to set up 45 marinas with enough space to cater to 10,000 luxury yachts on top of the current six that expect to serve up to 1,600 vessels over the next 20 years. This is in line with Abu Dhabi’s hotel guest projections, which anticipate 7.9 million guests a year by 2030.

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Charmaine Fernz