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Major Russian And Belorussian Tourism Uplift Predicted For Abu Dhabi |
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A huge upsurge in tourism arrivals from Russia and Belorussia is predicted for Abu Dhabi following a mega, four-day familiarisation trip of the UAE capital attended by 120 travel agents from 20 cities in the two countries. The trip, which included a destination conference, was arranged by Russia’s biggest tour operator, Russia Express with the support of the joint Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways Marketing initiative Access Abu Dhabi. “Russia Express has around 8,500 travel agencies in its network and is a very influential partner for us to support,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director, Promotions and Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi. “Abu Dhabi seems to have what it takes to win Russian and CIS business with the markets recording a 30% growth in hotel guest arrivals over the last two years. Russia Express alone sent 3,500 passengers to Abu Dhabi last year compared to 1,114 in 2012. This year the company is looking to achieve 4,200 sales for Abu Dhabi.” During their stay in the UAE capital, the Russian fam trip delegates sampled a range of leisure and business hotels and resorts and attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park and the award-winning Yas Waterworld. For most trip delegates, the mission was a very positive eye-opener. “I’ve been here before but this time I’ve seen many new, different and exciting things, especially the Yas Island attractions,” said Viktoria Martynenko, Business Development Manager. “There are many more three, four and five star hotels now which is very important for my market as we cover the whole range of budgets for Belorussians wanting to come here and see the sights and experience the emirate. “To us, Abu Dhabi used to be only about business travellers, but now it’s very much about the leisure visitor with Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Beach. When Yas Mall opens this November, we believe it will be very popular. “Currently Etihad Airways has seven flights a week to Abu Dhabi from Minsk and this is a good base for future business. It’s difficult to predict, but after this visit, we think we can grow business to Abu Dhabi by 500%.” The Russia Express Head of Development, Evgeny Blinikov, on his first trip to the emirate, says Abu Dhabi is now ripe for all-inclusive packaging. “There are lots of beaches, fun things to do and Yas Island especially is a great holiday escape. I’m very impressed with Yas Island it’s very relaxing, particularly the beach, Russians will like it a lot.” Abu Dhabi stakeholders are increasingly focusing on the Russian market with a number of initiatives including recruiting Russian-speaking staff. A 13-strong tourism delegation, led by TCA Abu Dhabi, is currently exhibiting in Leisure Moscow, Russia’s largest travel trade fair, to drum up more business. The delegation includes hotels, resorts, Etihad Airways, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management which runs the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, home to November’s F1 season finale, the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. |
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