Abu Dhabi targets 2.5m tourists in 2013

The Abu Dhabi pavilion at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB Berlin) was the most attracting at the venue of one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. It showcased the emirate’s most compelling offerings to date, according to Director of Promotions and Overseas Offices at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) , Mubarak Rashid Al Nuaimi. Abu Dhabi pavilion at ITB Berlin, held between 6-10 March, was packed with 63 stakeholders representing a product line of over 80 offerings including state-of-the-art attractions, luxurious beachfront resorts, city centre hotels, the Arabian Gulf’s first integrated wellness medical centre, tour operators and a sustainable desert retreat, Al Nuaimi said in statements to WAM. The emirate’s tourism industry, he added, is set to receive 2.5 million tourists in 2013, up from last year’s record 2.3 million tourists, stressing that Abu Dhabi’s strong tourism products and attractions are the driving force behind this targeted increase. TCA Abu Dhabi is set to participate in the forthcoming World Travel Market Latin America, taking place in Sao Paulo on 23 – 25 April 2013 ahead of Etihad Airways’ launch of service from Sao Paolo to Abu Dhabi this June, the TCA Abu Dhabi official said. He also revealed that TCA Abu Dhabi will also participate in 17 international shows to be held in 17 countries and will organise 8 roadshows in 23 cities around the world. He also noted that Saadiyat Island, with a 9-km compelling shoreline, is the perfect venue for the international debut for DNA Center for Integrative Medicine & Wellness. He also highlighted Aldar, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, management and investment company, brought Yas Island to ITB Berlin where it showcased Yas Island, the venue for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which is the world’s largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari theme park in the world. The park hosts over more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions for the entire family including the world’s fastest roller coaster and the region’s first duelling coaster. He noted that the sustainable desert attraction of Arabian Nights Village, set on a dedicated plot in Al Khatem, half way between the UAE capital and the emirate’s heritage heartland of Al Ain, made its ITB debut in the Abu Dhabi pavilion where it promoted the UAE traditions and culture.