Tourism

Abu Dhabi's tourism industry will be displaying among its largest ever item portfolio's at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) - the region's biggest travel and tourist fair - which is happening in the United Arab Emirates next week.

The emirates leading hotels, destination management companies, tour operators and attractions will be represented at ATM for four days from 25th-28th April at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai with more than 30,000 travel professionals representing 86 countries in attendance at the event.

The Abu Dhabi delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), will concentrate on the extensive emirate-wide Abu Dhabi Summer Season, this year taking place from July 7 to September 11 and presented by Yas Island being held throughout locations in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Gharbia.

"Last year's Summer Season experienced a substantial increase in the number of visitor arrivals into the emirate-- up 21 percent over the very same duration the previous year and we anticipate it will be of considerable interest to the travel trade at Arabian Travel Market," said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotions and Overseas Offices at TCA Abu Dhabi.

"We will build on this success by providing another exceptional choice of entertainment and promotions during our 2016 Summer Season targeting essential markets across the GCC, India and Europe. Our yearly Summer Season, in addition to our spectacular surroundings, abundant culture and varied range of home entertainment and a fantastic choice of extremely competitive priced lodging makes the emirate an outstanding destination to check out throughout the year," he included.

"This year is packed with 18 exhilarating global theatre and stage shows, leading comedy acts, music concerts, an illusionist and some amazing children's shows, combined with a wide range of activities and extended activations, each lasting for a month at a time. We will likewise commemorate Indian Independence Day and Eid Al Fitr with fantastic shows. Excellent summer season offers, promotions and prizes throughout Abu Dhabi's hotels, malls and destinations will once again include across the Summer Season period.".

The three-month 2015 Summer Season, which ran from June 11th to September 5th, assisted attract 951,979 visitor arrivals into the emirate. The variety of visitors from India revealed the biggest increase throughout the duration, increasing 29.8 % from 2014. Visitors from within the UAE revealed double digit development, while visitors from the GCC, not including the UAE, increased by 9.8 % to 79,086.

In addition to the substantial increase in visitor guest arrivals, participating shopping centers across the emirate likewise saw big increases in step and trade. The 12 shopping centers which hosted TCA Abu Dhabi's weekly reward draw to win a Mercedes-Benz car reported 15-20 % growth in business.

Signing up with TCA Abu Dhabi for the first time at ATM will be Al Maryah Island, representing all the island's properties, which will be highlighting the area as Abu Dhabi's business and way of life destination for local and international tourists and financiers alike.

Ali Al Mheiri, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure, stated: "Our goal from participating at ATM is to display Al Maryah Island as a company and way of life location for GCC and Middle East investors consisting of those in the tourist and hospitality sectors. We are bringing to life a visionary idea for a mixed-use area, integrated with the existing metropolitan framework.

"This desired address is the home of Abu Dhabi Global Market, the emirate's very first international monetary centre, offers Grade An industrial offices at Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, premium shopping and dining at The Galleria, luxury 5-star hotel services at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi and the quickly to open Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, world-class multi-specialty health care centers at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, all surrounded by a striking waterside boardwalk, which plays host to significant cultural and neighborhood occasions throughout the year.".

The first-class 369 room Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel, which neglects the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which will be signing up with the Abu Dhabi pavilion reports a 20 per cent increase in visitors in 2015 and anticipates strong growth to continue through 2016.

Khaled Al-Idrissi, Director of Sales and Marketing, said: "ATM will function as a launch pad to create relationships which will allow Fairmont Bab Al Bahr to develop vital partnerships in the GCC market and increase growth opportunities for 2016 and beyond. In addition, it is a platform which we utilise for contracting functions. The Middle Eastern market remains to see development year over year. With the boost in direct lift into Abu Dhabi from significant cities growing, we anticipate this upward trend to carry on. This paired with a variety of cultural tourist attractions opening in Abu Dhabi in 2016 in addition to the value for cash provided to guests for a premium product in both quality and service will help in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr reaching its targets for the market this year.".

Likewise signing up with TCA Abu Dhabi will be Danat Hotels & Resorts - A Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels. It manages a portfolio of 4 and 5 star homes in the emirate: Al Raha Beach Hotel, Danat Residence Hotel Apartments, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Dhafra Beach Hotel, Tilal Liwa Hotel, Danat Al Ain Resort, Oryx Hotel, Green Mubazzarah Chalets and Century Hotel Apartments.

Rima Rawass, Group Marketing Manager, stated the company will be aiming to expand their market share during ATM and make brand-new contacts to increase brand awareness while likewise promoting their hotels' Ramadan and summer season offers.

"Danat Hotels & Resorts is going to promote our group summertime promo for the locals of GCC nations which is anticipated to be very strong like previous years. We are expecting domestic tourism to be very active this year. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, our Danat Hotels & Resorts will have special deals and prepare Ramadan plans for spaces consisting of Iftar or Sohour and unique rates for Ramadan evening events.".

The Telal Resort, a luxury resort in the Remah Desert near Al Ain, will be using ATM to gain direct exposure for its special desert building.

Pierre Ghorayeb, General Manager, stated: "As a resort that keeps the Bedouin traditions alive, the Middle East/GCC market is our primary focus and our target for long term growth. Telal Resort is an experience that is true to the old ways of living in the region and therefore all our items deal with this market.".

Among other partners joining TCA Abu Dhabi at the structure will be Yas Island including their partners Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit and a variety of hotels, destinations and location management business.

The Abu Dhabi Pavilion can be found at Hall 2, stand ME2110 which will likewise consist of a profile of The Louvre Abu Dhabi and a devoted Cruise Abu Dhabi section promoting home porting in the capital city.

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