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Visitors to Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)’s stand at World Travel Market (WTM) in London this week are learning about the emirate’s culture and hospitality directly from Emirati students who volunteered to work at the authority’s vibrant pavilion.
The students, all currently studying in the UK, were invited to join this year’s Abu Dhabi promotion at WTM – the leading global travel industry event - by Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, UAE Ambassador to the Court of St. James in London.
“This initiative is important for the students and for Abu Dhabi. The participation of Emirati students on the stand means we’ve people who understand our culture and who can deliver a powerful message to potential visitors,” said the Ambassador.
“I have no doubt this kind of event will give them support in their studies and open their minds to what is happening in other countries. They can interact with different visitors and stakeholders, and this opportunity may encourage them to enter the travel industry when they return home.”
Saleh Al Ghailani is a student at Westminster University, London, studying Business Management and Administration, with a module in tourism. He says he’s learning a lot from his experience. “This is the first time I’ve been at WTM and I’m enjoying it. It’s been interesting to see other countries’ stands too and to meet people from other cultures.”
The students are assisting with meetings and explaining about the emirate’s heritage and culture to visitors.
Ahmed Adel Al-Najjar, who is studying International Fashion Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University, says he’s honoured to be representing Abu Dhabi on the ADTA stand.
“It’s been interesting meeting lots of different people and talking to them about Abu Dhabi, explaining where and who we are to those who don’t already know. A lot of visitors have enjoyed learning about our culture and are fascinated to hear about the development of tourism in our emirate.”
ADTA stand’s popular Heritage Area is drawing hundreds of visitors each day, to have their photo taken with a falcon, receive a copy of their name handwritten by a calligrapher, or enjoy the works of the henna artist.
“Visitors love the falcon and seeing people in authentic local dress – we have had queues of people at the heritage area every day,” confirmed Charles Saliba, Director of Sales & Marketing, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi. “Having locals here on the stand, despite it being Eid, when they would usually be at home with their families, is great.”
This year the ADTA stand has more partners than ever, with 64 companies represented - up from 46 last year. “This increase shows there’s even more interest than ever from our private sector to promote Abu Dhabi as a tourism destination at the world’s leading travel events,” remarked the Ambassador.
“The UAE has an excellent relationship with Britain. We receive almost 1 million visitors to the UAE each year from the UK and there is no doubt this kind of participation at WTM will increase those numbers,” he concluded.
Staged annually in London, WTM - the leading global event for the travel industry - is a vibrant four-day business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK andi nternational travel professionals.
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