As part of its commitment to promoting Abu Dhabi as a premium tourism destination within the region, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi hosted 15 top performing travel trade stakeholders from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia with a unique travel experience at its annual familiarization trip, held in partnership with Etihad Airways and Yas Island. The trip centered around a city-wide treasure hunt, which allowed stakeholders to explore the city’s offerings in a new and exciting way.

Three teams took part in the treasure hunt, which spanned six key locations in Abu Dhabi over two days. The locations included the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Observation Deck at 300, Emirates Palace and Galleria Mall. At each of these locations, competitors were given a series of interactive challenges worth a set number of points. The treasure hunt experience allowed them to test Abu Dhabi’s transportation systems, culinary options and attractions more closely. The winners of the treasure hunt, a team named ‘Al Maryah Island Team’, were rewarded at a gala dinner at Ferrari World, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Syed Furqan Ahmed, a representative from Al Faris International Travel and Tourism in Saudi Arabia, spoke on behalf of the winning team, saying: “We’ve attended similar trips before but this one has been truly special. Not only were we given the chance to explore Abu Dhabi, but it has provided an opportunity for us to meet new friends as well.”

Another team member, Fnu Feroez, sales officer at Boodai Aviation, Kuwait, added: “Abu Dhabi is an amazing and fascinating city. The culture here blends people together, and the trip this time was completely different. We all agree that Abu Dhabi really provided us with something we have never experienced. We explored the emirate from a different prospective, we saw the city with our own eyes; that was the most satisfactory part.”

This is the first time that the treasure hunt format was implemented by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for their annual familiarization trip. The initiative came from the Department’s desire to revolutionize the familiarization trip experience and have travel trade explore the city as visitors.

Commenting on the trip, Nabeel M. Al Zarouni, Regional Promotion Manager, Middle East and Africa at DCT – Abu Dhabi, said: “The number of guests visiting Abu Dhabi from GCC markets is registering year-on-year growth, which we are aiming to continue in the coming months, as the emirate prepares to host a number of exciting events such as the Abu Dhabi Games Week, Abu Dhabi Art, F1 Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the New Year’s Eve celebrations and many more.

“We developed a new familiarization trip format that would allow our stakeholders from these markets to explore the city with more autonomy and purpose. Through the treasure hunt, the participants get the opportunity to move around the city freely and engage in a fun competition without the need for scheduled tours and restrictive itineraries.” Al Zarouni added.

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear