Abu Dhabi thanks British travel industry for its ongoing support
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Abu Dhabi’s tourism boss has thanked the UK travel trade for its commitment to selling the Middle East destination.
Speaking to delegates at the ABTA Travel Convention, which kicked off today at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general at TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “Many of you have been instrumental to our success and I’d like to thank you for all that you have done.
“Our relationship with the UK travel industry grows stronger and tourism from your country is growing.
“We are committed to forging bonds with you and would like more British holidaymakers relaxing here [in Abu Dhabi]. We believe we can achieve these goals by increasing our offering.”
Ghobash added: “We relish these opportunities (The Travel Convention] to speak with key decision makers from one of our key source markets.”
The UK is Abu Dhabi’s third largest source market, representing 5% of guest stays in the UAE capital, said Ghobash.
In 2015, 115,617 Brits checked into Abu Dhabi’s hotels and they stayed four nights on average, higher than the overall average of 3.3%
Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier, Etihad Airways, flies from three UK hubs – London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh, and British Airways also flies to Abu Dhabi daily from LHR.
“We hope these routes continue to expand,” said Ghobash.
He said TCA Abu Dhabi was poised to launch a new destination campaign soon and the UK market would be a key focus for this promotional activity.
Ghobash also stressed the diversity of Abu Dhabi as a key selling point.
“We have a history that dates back thousands of years, with a UNESCO heritage site opening in Al Ain on October 25th.
“In our Eastern Region we have many cultural attractions including palaces, forts, archaeological sites, while in Abu Dhabi, the experiences on offer range from golf and theme parks to Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
“On Saadiyat Island, the cultural district will offer an unparalleled experience for visitors, with three new museums opening soon (including Guggenheim and Louvre); in the desert we have 82-story sand dunes as high as sky scrapers and luxury five-star resorts; and Sir Bani Yas Island is home to Arabian wildlife.”
Ghobash also noted the opportunity for the UK trade to send more cruise visitors to Abu Dhabi.
The emirate is on track to receive 500,000 cruise visitors by 2020.
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