Etihad Holidays helping to drive golf tourism in UAE

Speaking about the increase of in-bound golfers to the UAE, general manager for Etihad Holidays, Nick Wood says Guests of the national airline are increasingly flying in from Europe for short golfing breaks:

"The convenience of flying from Europe to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, combined with championship courses and a wonderful array of hotels on offer, has meant that bookings have doubled over the last three years. Furthermore, with Etihad bringing more visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, we anticipate this demand for golfing holidays will continue to grow considerably."

Increasingly European Guests are taking advantage of the UAE's warm winter climate, in addition to Etihad Holidays' competitively-priced in-bound breaks, to play at one of the country's world-renowned courses.

"One of our most popular travel breaks for our European Guests is a long weekend in the UAE, combining a relaxing stay at a top hotel with a round of golf, before taking an over night flight to be back in work on Monday morning. The convenience of flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and luxurious Etihad in-flight comfort, means our Guests will arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed after a weekend playing golf in the sunshine."

To reaffirm Etihad Airways' commitment to golf and sport in the region, the airline will once again be a lead sponsor and official airline for next January's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (ADGC).

Taking place between the 18 and 21 January, many of the world's best players will be looking to kick start their European tour with a good performance at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton.

"Since the inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January 2006, there has been huge demand from our international Guests booking breaks in Abu Dhabi and looking to play a round on the famous course. It is a wonderful club with one spectacular 18-hole course and one nine-hole course which feature tropical shrubs, sparkling fairways and seven saltwater lakes,"

added Wood.

Some 120 European Tour players are due to take part in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2007 providing a stunning breadth of field, including some of the world's best ranked professionals.

Those players who have confirmed their participation in the 2007 championship include defending champion Chris DiMarco, Spain's Sergio Garcia, Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, and South African Retief Goosen.

As the official airline for the 2007 ADGC, Etihad will be involved in a series of promotional activities surrounding the tournament as well as flying the players, officials and their equipment to the UAE.