German Travel agents invited to become Abu Dhabi experts during the Abu Dhabi roadshow

Registration of the would-be Tourism Champions was just one aspect of forthcoming Abu Dhabi promotional road show mounted by the ADTA which portrayed the Abu Dhabi message to travel industry representatives in Hamburg on 18th, Berlin on the 19th and Frankfurt on the 20th July. 331 agents registered to participate in the three cities with 113 agents in Hamburg : 95 agents in Berlin and 123 agents in Frankfurt all joining in this exciting event to broaden their knowledge on Abu Dhabi and all the destination has to offer.

The Tourism Champions programme, a major ADTA initiative to build up a pool of knowledgeable travel trade experts as partners in selling Abu Dhabi overseas, was successfully introduced into the UK market in April and will be rolled out in several key European markets in coming months.

Commenting on the promotional road show, ADTA Director General Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi said:
"The road show and its subsequent Abu Dhabi Tourism Champions training programme are pivotal in reinforcing bilateral relations with the tourism sector in Germany. The programme further complements the ADTA European programmes".

Hailing the programme as a main driving force of the ADTA overseas marketing strategy, Al Muhairi said the programme achieved a resounding success in Britain last April. The ADTA chief commended the role of representation offices in London and Frankfurt, saying that they are instrumental in the road show and the Abu Dhabi tourism Champions programme.

"Substantial results could indeed be achieved through participation in overseas exhibitions and activities. This is in addition to activities such as the road show and Abu Dhabi Tourism Champions. Tourism in Europe, particularly from Germany and Britain is increasing significantly. There is equally a surge in interest among tour operators and agents to enhance their knowledge of Abu Dhabi so that they promote from a vantage point", said Al Muhairi.

"We were delighted with the high level of interest generated by the initial UK launch," said Ali Al Hosani, the ADTA's Marketing Director.

"It's clear that a growing number of overseas agents recognise Abu Dhabi's tourism potential and are very keen to establish themselves as accredited specialists. Once they qualify as Tourism Champions, they will become valuable allies in promoting the destination to their clients."

The Tourism Champions programme comprises six modules designed to build up the trainees' knowledge base with a wide range of information on all aspects of Abu Dhabi from its culture and history to practical everyday tourist tips. Each module will incorporate a test and, when all six are successfully completed, the Tourism Champion will be in a position to sell Abu Dhabi with confidence and authority, while at the same time enjoying a number of incentives and benefits.

In each city, the evening programme also comprised presentations, workshops, an innovative quiz with exciting vacation and airline prizes and a relaxing buffet dinner. A combined total of 331 agents and operators took part in the three cities and were given an overview of Abu Dhabi, its attractions, accommodation and key selling points. ADTA representatives were supported by 12 private sector tourism partners and the official airline, Etihad Airways, who used the opportunity to introduce their products and services to trade partners.
Picture attached/ The Road show activities in Berlin.