Abu Dhabi has appointed a new UK country manager and launched a travel agent competition as it announced an 18% increase in UK visitors so far this year.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is on track for a 10% increase in hotel guests this year, with 1,154,587 visitors so far. The UK is Abu Dhabi’s largest overseas market, with 98,461 British travellers arriving in the first nine months of the year.
Nabeel Mahmoud Al Zarouni, UK country manager, said he had already held meetings with leading tour operators and was looking to develop the number of suppliers featuring Abu Dhabi in their programmes.
He also confirmed that the ADTA would continue its commitment to the trade, with agent training, roadshows and incentives including tickets to Manchester City football matches.
New product focuses include golf packages, conventions and the Volvo Ocean Race, which is expected to bring in 35,000 international visitors over a two-week period in early January.
Agents are being offered the chance to win a six-night holiday to Abu Dhabi including two tickets to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, plus tickets to Manchester City v Chelsea on March 17.
Agents attending WTM can get a competition entry form and try and win a spot prize at the ADTA stand, or alternatively they can email info@abudhabitourism.co.uk.