Abu Dhabi heads for Lion City as Asia rises up tourism agenda

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Organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the apex body which manages the tourism industry within Abu Dhabi, the largest of seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, the pavilion will house eight leading MICE venue and tour providers, developers and hotels.

Ali Al Hosani, Director Promotions, ADTA, explained:

'Asia is becoming increasingly important to us as evidenced by the recent opening of a dedicated ADTA presence within China.'

Al Hosani added, 'Though Western Europe remains our core tourism market and, given the current economic downturn which has particularly impacted the West, the need to open up new inbound streams is being prioritised.'

'Abu Dhabi is now extremely accessible to many Asian destinations with Etihad, the national airline of the UAE, linking Singapore with the UAE capital three times a week and operating to other key Asian destinations including China, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines,' he added.

The Abu Dhabi pavilion at ITB Asia, which will run from October 22-24, will include the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ALDAR Properties, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Abu Dhabi, DBA & Sons Travel & Tours, Emirates Palace, the Millennium Hotel, Meridien Hotel and the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resorts.

'Our aim in Singapore will be to activate relationships with trade operators in Asia which is now recognised as one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing travel market places,' explained Al Hosani. 'In today's tough economic scenario it is essential that we accelerate exploration of opportunities in emerging growth markets.'