Abu Dhabi to participate at Leisure 2006 in Moscow

Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Abu Dhabi Emirate will participate at the show with a large 204-square meter pavilion comprising 21 national exhibitors from the private sector. They include Abu Dhabi Airport Company, Bin Sharara Travel & Tours, Off Roads Emirates, Desert Adventures, Emirates Palace, Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi, Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi, Le Meridien Hotel, Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel, and Millennium Hotel, Planet Travel & Tours, Rotana Hotels, Safe Travel Agency, Sheraton Hotel and Resort and Travco LLC.

The participation of Emirates Palace comes against the backdrop of its successful participation in the previous shows during which the palace was inundated with queries about its special programs, facilities and privileges that it offers. Emirates Palace is a unique architectural wonder in its own right.

The exhibition will be held at the Moscow International Exhibition Centre IEC "Crocus Expo". Abu Dhabi Stand will bear the number 3C101 at Hall No 3. It will appear in an isle shape stretching over an area of 17x 12 meters and comprising 21 particpants, one majlis area, reception area, general store and kitchen.

Commenting on the significance of the show, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, ADTA Chairman said:

"Leisure 2006 is an important event because it brings together leading names in the industry. More importantly, it is a strategic forum where participants exchange views and showcase their newest tourism initiatives. As far as the ADTA is concerned, we will aggressively showcase the latest mega tourism projects launched by Abu Dhabi. We will lay greater emphasis on the investment opportunities available".

Leisure Exhibition is the largest international trade fair for tourism in Russia and the Common Wealth of Independent States (CIS) . It is one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world with over 19 million outbound travelers per year. The show is held in an overall exhibition space of 20,000 sq meters. Last year, the show attracted 967 exhibitors including 562 international and 405 Russian from 67 countries. This was in addition to 58,500 (85% trade visitors)

Sheikh Tahnoun stressed the importance of Abu Dhabi participation at the show, saying that it was part of the strategic partnership and also part of the importance attached to the Russian market. The UAE is also an important tourism destination to Russian tourists

"This show will also act as a springboard for our promotional drive. We will showcase our potential to the exhibitors directly", said Sheikh Tahoon, adding that the ADTA participation is part of a long-term plan to make ADTA presence felt at international tourism and leisure circles", said Sheikh Tahoon.

He added that national companies that are participating from the emirate were equally committed to promoting Abu Dhabi in different ways and thus secure their share in the market. These institutions have the potential to increase their share especially that they are known for their high competitive edge and could offer a whole range of varieties such as desert tourism, beach tourism or historical tourism.

Sheikh Tahnoun further said: "Abu Dhabi participation will be unique because the participating hotels and tourism companies will be offering numerous attractions to Russian tourists. This will be done through contracted travel offices in Russia".

Asked on the scale of Abu Dhabi participation, Sheikh Tahnoun said the number of participating hotels and companies was good and will continue to be increased in the future.