TCA Abu Dhabi to showcase city's destination credentials

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, has announced its extensive destination promotion plans for Abu Dhabi at EXPO 2015 in Milan, in an effort to build visibility and awareness of the city.

The destination promotion, in partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE and EXPO Milan 2015 Official Global Airline carrier in partnership with Alitalia, will be staged in the official Imagination Lounge of the Alitalia and Etihad Airways joint pavilion and will feature three themed bespoke promotional activities to highlight visitors' experience opportunities.

Each theme will run for a week during the six-month exposition, and will focus on experiential, visual and digital activities highlighting the identity of Abu Dhabi, including its food and culture, thriving events and business scene, and the city's nature and sustainability credentials.

"The eyes of the world will be on Milan during their hosting of EXPO 2015 and with the UAE taking up the mantle for the hosting of EXPO 2020, we have a golden opportunity to project our vision of the emirate to a global audience and shape perceptions of our nation over the next six months," said Jasem Al Darmaki, TCA Abu Dhabi Acting Director-General.

"Through our partnership with Alitalia and Etihad Airways, we can build awareness of our world-class hospitality and deliver experiential tourism activities to give a taste of Abu Dhabi through a series of engaging, stimulating and traditional activities," he added.

Al Darmaki went on to say, "By identifying attributes of our destination through specific themes, we are able to highlight the quality of our tourism experiences and showcase the diversity of activities to engage with Expo visitors."

The identity of Abu Dhabi through food and culture will be featured in the expo's opening week with celebrated Emirati chef and TCA Abu Dhabi culinary consultant, Chef Khulood Atiq, set to bring the tastes and smells of traditional Emirati hospitality, foods and spices to life through a series of cooking demonstrations and cultural sessions.

Unveiling the secrets of the Emirati kitchen, Chef Khulood will also introduce the importance of coffee and dates to Emirati hospitality and present Emirati coffee, or gahwa, and will demonstrate to visitors how the preparation, brewing and traditions of serving differ from international coffee.

"Our emphasis on food, culture, nature and events will be introduced to EXPO visitors with a touch of Italian flair, and will be supported by a selection of National Geographic destination videos specially commissioned for the event which we anticipate will generate interest in our range of world-class tourist experiences, natural landscapes, quality accommodation and attractions," said Al Darmaki.

The Abu Dhabi destination video vignettes include tours of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and an aerial Seawings seaplane safari of the nature adventure destination, Sir Bani Yas Island.

Running until October 31st, EXPO 2015 is expected to attract 20 million visitors from 140 countries, and is the precursor for Dubai's 2020 hosting of the event.
Source: WAM