Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority to host Energy Cities Alliance's events at key trade shows

This year, ADTA participated in IMEX in Frankfurt with a 150-square-metre stand with 10 co-participants.

The launch event for the alliance, formed eight months ago, saw 19 leading association buyers and media combine to deliver lead opportunities to the partner cities.

"This is a clear case of us harnessing our energies to deliver business synergies - a strategy we will take forward," said Gillian Taylor, Business Tourism Manager at ADTA's Product Development Division. "The authority has agreed to host ECA events at key trade shows around the world where our combined efforts will bring more power to our individual propositions."

The ECA - a strategic marketing alliance of the energy cities - is aimed at delivering an increased international competitive edge for the four destinations, particularly in the field of energy-related conferences.

"Our focus in this arena will concentrate on the energy sector but will not be solely confined to it," she said.

A key alliance focus is the exchange of sales leads - known as the Energy Transfer Advantage - that incorporates a support package for conference organisers. Key benefits available to planners include lobbying and marketing support within the partner destinations to maximise delegate registrations.

The ECA has created its own 'brand' to position itself as a group sharing common goals and aspiring to best practice as convention destinations. It has also established its own website - www.energycitiesalliance.com - which provides planners with access to the collective support package with links to the partners' websites.