Abu Dhabi to participate at WTM 2006 at ExCeL London

The Emirate is participating on the 27th round of the WTM alongside a record breaking 5, 600 travel industry firms, representing 202 countries and regions.

Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Abu Dhabi will stage an island-like pavilion comprising 140 stands stretching over an area of 403 sq meter. The pavilion will bear No. ME 1000 and will be located at the front of the MENA hall.

In remarks on the participation of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, ADTA Chairman said:

"Our participation at WTM underscores the keenness of Abu Dhabi to promote itself at the specialized global forums, particularly in view of the massive tourism projects which have been adopted over the years with the aim of transforming tourism into a major non-oil economic source. This trend is particularly significant in view of the huge potentials that could position Abu Dhabi on the helm of leading global destinations for tourists and business people alike".

Citing the increasing occupancy rate in the Abu Dhabi hotels, Sheikh Tahnoun further revealed that several new tourism initiatives would be unveiled soon. These would encompass new plans and projects aimed at boosting the international tourism profile of the emirate.

"Several major tourism projects are currently underway. Once completed, they will totally change the tourism landscape in Abu Dhabi. These projects are being executed hand in hand with the new tourism infrastructure projects which are set to bring greater attractiveness and vibrancy to the tourism projects", said Sheikh Tahnoun.

On the importance of WTM, Sheikh Tahnoun said the event provides a unique opportunity for Abu Dhabi to showcase its potentials to a wider global audience. This event, he said, is a forum for the whole global travel trade industry to meet, network, negotiate, conduct business and stay abreast with the latest developments in the travel industry. The WTM, he added, brings together worldwide buyers and sellers from every sector of the industry.

The ADTA Chairman further noted that Abu Dhabi saw the birth of many different and exciting initiatives this year, notably the launch of the (GIBTM) Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition which will be held in March next year, the launch of the Sadiyaat Island, the launch of Tourism Development and investment Company (TDIC), whose brainchild include the Dhs.1billion Golf gardens real estate project by Sorouh and Al Raha beach project by Aldar. This year also saw the opening of the ADTA representative offices in London and Frankfurt with one more expected to be opened soon in Paris.

The Abu Dhabi pavilion comprises five major stands for the industry heavyweights, namely the Abu Dhabi Airport Company, Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company, Nationals Corporation for Tourism & Hotel, Emirates Palace Hotel, Etihad airways in addition to 24 other names such as Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Alpha Tours, Crown Plaza, Desert Adventures etc.

Staged annually in London under one roof, World Travel Market is business to business exhibition and also introduces delegates to a fresh and innovative dimension into the travel and tourism industry. Some 20,000 industry specialists at participating in the exhibition along with media delegates from 3000 organizations. The number of visitors is expected to increase to 25,000 visitors.