Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is heading to the World Travel Market Latin America in Brazil later this month to bolster the numbers of travellers into the emirate from South America.

Led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and accompanied by a nine-strong delegation representing the emirate’s leading hotels, destination management companies, tour operators and the UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways, the trade mission will be in Sao Paolo from April 22-24 for the third successive year.

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions & Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “We have seen highly impressive guest arrival growth from the region especially since Etihad Airways began non-stop daily flights from Sao Paolo to Abu Dhabi in June 2013. Last year we saw more than 10,000 Brazilians come to Abu Dhabi, an increase of 85% on the previous year, spending 36,401 guest nights in the emirate’s hotels and apartments, a rise of 70% on the previous 12 months.

“We offer an excellent stop-over option for passengers looking to connect with flights on their way to Asia and Australia and who may wish to break their journey and spend a few days exploring a selection of our attractions in Abu Dhabi. Brazil and its neighbours have enormous growth potential for us.”

According to TCA Abu Dhabi figures Brazilian guests stayed on average 3.36 nights in the emirate’s 160 hotels and hotel apartments in 2014.

Youssef Sakr, Regional Sales Manager for Hilton Worldwide, which has two five-star properties in Abu Dhabi with a third planned on Saadiyat Island for opening in 2016, said: “We aim to increase the Latin American market into our UAE hotels by 20% this year. We are looking to partner with operators and agents directly and identify key marketing opportunities. Our goal is to identify key agents and operators and to understand how we can further work together, whether directly or through local destination management companies.”

WTM Latin America attracts more than 15,000 high profile executives from the travel industry in the region. During the 2014 event, it was reported that transactions amounting to as much as US $341 million took place between 1,300 exhibitors and 900 buyers, with almost 3,000 business meetings being pre-scheduled between attendees.

Stefan Fuchs, General Manager, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, said: “A main objective of our participation at WTM Latin America this year is to reconnect with established business partners and grow our business, as well as establish new networks. We receive a very positive response from our Latin American guests and considering our partnership with Etihad Airways, the hotel is a preferred stop over destination for many guests coming from the region.

“Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers a contemporary design, gourmet experiences and luxury shopping in the Avenue at Etihad Towers, which is highly appreciated by the Latin American guests,” he added.

The delegation will also be joined by Hala Abu Dhabi, the destination management division of Etihad Airways, Destinations of the World JLT, SNTTA Emir Tours & Travel LLC, The Vision Destination Management, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi and Arabian Adventures.
 

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