French travel trade recognise Abu Dhabi potential
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The French National Travel Agents Association (SNAV - Ile de France) has identified Abu Dhabi as an emerging international leisure destination following the staging of its annual convention in the emirate.
Some 180 agents from the country attended the convention at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert before visiting the UAE capital to sample the iconic Yas Hotel - the only hotel in the world straddling a Formula 1 race track - and the Saadiyat Island Cultural District exhibition at Emirates Palace, one of the world’s most opulent hotels. They also visited Ferrari World, the world’s largest indoor theme park due to open on 28 October and took a guided tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
“Abu Dhabi has been known as a business destination but this is clearly changing - the attractions which have come on line, and are coming on line alter the dynamics,” said SNAV President Michelle Herbaut.
“This is an international leisure destination in the making which will resonate well with our clients who are looking for new experiences.
“We now have the knowledge to go back and sell a destination which will witness an obvious upturn in French tourist arrivals, particularly as the Louvre Abu Dhabi moves towards its opening.”
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) Administration Director Khaled Al Hashemi said the number of French nationals staying in hotels in the emirate was on the increase.
“In the first quarter of this year the number of French hotel guests we received rose by 1% on the same period last year to 10,230,” he said.
“While the increase is slight, it is still heading in the right direction in what has been a challenging time. We believe the strengthening relationship with the French travel trade can build on this solid foundation and that together we can keep the momentum going.”
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