WTM 2017: Abu Dhabi credits trade for driving visitor growth

The number of UK visitors to Abu Dhabi rose by 5% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2017.

The emirate reported 173,103 UK hotel guests from January to September, and credited the travel trade for driving the growth.

Speaking at WTM, Nabeel Al Zarouni, UK country manager for the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said: “The feedback we are getting from our trade partners is extremely positive and we are seeing that reflected in our visitor numbers.

“We have invested heavily in the trade, with a megafam for 38 agents and four regional roadshows in addition to joint marketing, and that demonstrates how important the trade is for increasing the number of guests and their average length of stay.”

Product developments in the emirate include the long-awaited opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which will welcome its first visitors this weekend after a series of delays.

The gallery forms part of a proposed cultural hub on Saadiyat Island which is set to include a National Museum and a new Guggenheim.

Al Zarouni said: “The Louvre allows us to promote another side of Abu Dhabi, and with very reasonable prices we hope that it will be something our trade partners will build into their programmes.”

Travel Weekly coverage of World Travel Market