Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is embarking on a four-day, three-city roadshow in North America next week as it looks to build on increasing inbound tourism from the continent.
Led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), a five-strong delegation of the emirate’s tourism stakeholders will join the roadshow from June 1 - 4 starting in the US capital of Washington D.C., before heading to Chicago, Illinois on June 3rd and then ending the tour in Dallas, Texas on June 4th.
Joining TCA Abu Dhabi will be representatives from the UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas; Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi as well as Celebrity Cruises the Royal Caribbean Cruises arm that offers upscale cruise vacations around the world.
Product managers, reservation staff, travel agents, media partners, MICE representatives and industry partners will be invited to the roadshow for presentations highlighting Abu Dhabi’s tourism credentials and offering opportunities for networking with trade partners.
“The United States is our fourth largest international source market, and as such an extremely important target for us for inbound visitors,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotions and Overseas Offices, at TCA Abu Dhabi.
“In 2014, 37 percent more visitors from the US arrived in Abu Dhabi than in 2013. There are currently 45 flights a week to Abu Dhabi, operated by our national airline Etihad Airways, from Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas/Ft. Worth, with this last route having recently being increased to three flights a week. So there are already excellent air links.
“Last year saw 123,196 guests arrive from the United States, which generated 608,556 guest nights, making American visitors one of our longest stayers with an average length of stay of just under five nights. We would like them to stay longer and discover much more of our emirate, and our US roadshows will showcase our world-class destination with first-class hotels, highly competitive room rates and a rich diversity of cultures and attractions. I’m sure our profile in the US will be raised even with this triple-city event.”
Joining the roadshow will be the multi-award winning Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, a five-star luxury property featuring a stunning conference centre, observation deck, Talise Spa, private beach and direct access to Abu Dhabi’s luxury shopping destination Avenue at Etihad Towers.
“The USA is an increasingly important market for Jumeirah at Etihad Towers with room nights by US residents increasing by a robust 97% in 2014 compared to that recorded in 2013,” said Stefan Fuchs, General Manager at the hotel. “Not only is the number of room nights of US residents continuing to increase but the total share of US travellers is also increasing.
“We regularly plays hosts to key international conventions and events that attract well-known US individuals and personalities, most recently the IATA World Financial Symposium. In addition our profile in the US was boosted by Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hitting the cinema screen, featuring as it did in the latest Hollywood action film, Fast & Furious - a high octane chase between our landmark towers. The movie even inspired an ultra-high end ‘Fast & Luxurious’ two-night package at the hotel, which includes limousine transfers to and from the hotel, a helicopter tour and the use of a super car for the weekend.
“With Etihad Airways expanding their US direct flight network to Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth we are expecting US demand to continue to increase in the years ahead,” he concluded.
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Abu Dhabi, which offers five unique and luxurious properties in the UAE; Eastern Mangroves, Qasr Al Sarab, Royal Pavilion Villas and the Desert Island resorts of Al Yam and Al Sahel, will also be looking to maximise its exposure during the USA trip.
David Garner, Regional Director Sales & Marketing for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi-based American companies are regular clients for our hotels and we have seen an increment in demand, from both business travellers to the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel in the city or for leisure time at the Anantara resorts in the desert, Anantara Qasr al Sarab or on Sir Bani Yas Island.
“All five of our properties are tailored for the International market and with Etihad Airways introducing new routes to Dallas and San Francisco, flights are more flexible, and this has shown an increase in US travellers to UAE. In addition, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa is part of the Essentials Abu Dhabi and Premium StopOver programmes with Etihad Airways.”
Celebrity Cruises, a company that offers luxurious cruise excursions from Abu Dhabi and is appearing at a TCA Abu Dhabi Roadshow for the first time, is looking to maximise the company’s exposure during the USA trip.
"The art of outstanding destination delivery is one of our brand pillars here at Celebrity Cruises,” said Frank Medina, Commercial Director for Celebrity Cruises. “The Abu Dhabi roadshow will allow us to share with our trade partners this new, exciting and exotic itinerary programme which includes various cruise lengths and ports of call."
