Abu Dhabi, the highly diverse destination and the largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, is out in force at this year’s Arabian Travel Market with over 40 sharers promoting products and services in its pavilion – the biggest at the show and the mast expansive its organiser, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has ever mounted.

Going all out to demonstrate its commitment to building its tourism proposition, ADTA and its sharing partners, are promoting a growing product base which spans new hotels, accommodation upgrades and expanding tour operator networks. Abu Dhabi’s ATM 2009 participation will also highlight the opening up of the emirate’s Al Gharbia (Western Region) to international tourism.

ADTA, and its partners, say ATM is key to reaching the Middle East market which currently produces the lion’s share of the emirate’s annual hotel guest stays.

“Our message is two-fold,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager, ADTA. “Firstly we want to demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to continue its measured growth strategy which is in line with our adoption of a long-term view of our goals, and secondly, to demonstrate the expansion of the destination’s product offering – this includes new and planned hotels, major new events – including November’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, new attractions, such as the renovated Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, and new golf courses, including the Gary Player designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Course which will open by the end of this year.”

Abu Dhabi’s ATM stand reflects the destination’s diverse range of products and services – which mirrors the variety of the emirate which has over 400 kilometres of magnificent coastline, 200 natural islands, breathtaking deserts, oases, cultural attractions, luxury accommodation and a commitment to building a destination which speaks to the preservation of Arabian culture and heritage.

“The Middle East, and particularly the GCC market, is extremely important to Abu Dhabi – it is a prime market on our doorstep,” said Al Nuaimi. “We are fortunate in having access to the 30 million plus GCC consumers who have a tendency to travel locally in times of uncertainty.”

Abu Dhabi’s tourism profile has grown significantly since ATM 2008 with the ADTA alone adding two high profile events to its growing major events portfolio – the Gourmet Abu Dhabi festival, which is now to be held annually, and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge rally – again to be held annually. More are in the pipeline.

“We are also, in June this year, to implement our ground-breaking hotel and hotel apartment classification system – which has been designed in collaboration with the industry – and which will ‘rate’ the destination’s major accommodation suppliers. This will bring significant destination integrity to Abu Dhabi and tourism professionals will be able to have total confidence in the accommodation they recommend, knowing precisely what their referred guests can expect,” added Al Nuaimi.
 

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