The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau recently concluded its participation in the sixth edition of The Meetings Show, held at London’s Olympia from 27th to 28th June.
The Meetings Show is regarded as the premier event for the inbound and outbound meetings and event industry in the UK, and this year allowed over 700 exhibitors the chance to meet with over 4,800 meeting and event professionals, offering hundreds of opportunities to learn, network and do business.
The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau was joined by 14 stakeholders, who utilised the show to raise awareness of the emirate as a world-class event, incentive and exhibition hub. Over the course of the two days 214 key buyers visited the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau stand to hold meetings, learn about the destination, try their hand at Arabic calligraphy whilst taking part in an interactive piece of artwork, and having the opportunity to win a holiday to Abu Dhabi.
Attending on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau was Sara Abdullah Al Aslai, the Conferences & Exhibitions Unit Head, who said: “We are delighted to have participated in The Meetings Show for the fifth time. Each year it gets bigger and better and we were honoured to be joined by 14 stakeholders on our dedicated stand. The UK is Abu Dhabi’s leading European source market, so it is important that we attend shows such as this to nurture new and old relationships, ensuring these talks convert to future events, incentives and meetings in Abu Dhabi.”
Joining the Abu Dhabi delegation were representatives from Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas, BSL Middle East, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Etihad Airways, Gulf Circle Tours, Gulf Dunes, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, Le Royal Meridien, Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Yas Conference Centre (also representing Yas Marina Circuit), Yas Experiences and Yellow Boats Abu Dhabi.
The UK is the leading European source market and the third largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi, having seen a rise of 13% in UK visitors during 2017, where numbers reached 270,000. Figures for 2018 are looking healthy, with the first quarter registering a 24% increase.
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