His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), today sent a warm Emirati welcome to delegates at World Travel Market 2008, hosted at London’s ExCel Centre. The four day trade show attracts more than 50,000 exhibitors and visitors from around the world, making it one of the most popular tourism promotion exhibitions in the world.
The ADTA is the catalyst driving and co-ordinating the growth of the Emirate’s tourism strategy. The authority is responsible for communicating Abu Dhabi’s vision for the future as the Emirate becomes one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world.
H.H Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said:
“Abu Dhabi returns to the World Travel Market for the second year as official Premier Partner and we are delighted to be supporting such an important event. World Travel Market is a far-reaching international business facilitator, attracting key companies and leading industry figures. Through our support of WTM, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority seeks to further build on the profile of Abu Dhabi as a leading tourism destination.
“This year Abu Dhabi will be represented by a significant contingent of exhibitors as we present more than 50 exhibition stand partners from across the Emirate. Our partners represent excellence and opportunity in hospitality, tourism development and investment.
“We have a strong focus on Abu Dhabi’s cultural offering at this year’s show and welcome the chance to showcase Saadiyat Island, the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District.
“We are approaching the development of our tourism industry in a very measured and planned way. Whilst our focus is on the future, we are determined to preserve and protect Abu Dhabi’s culture and heritage, which have become two key elements of Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy.”
Abu Dhabi’s elegantly designed exhibition stand reflects the most treasured of Arabian cultural values – hospitality. Occupying prime position in the exhibition’s Middle East zone, the stand showcases the diverse attractions under development in the UAE’s capital. The stand features displays of key attractions including the multi-experiential Desert Islands nature-based destination and Saadiyat Island, the Abu Dhabi Cultural District, taking shape just offshore the capital.
Saadiyat Island is the future home of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Maritime Museum and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum and a performing arts centre.
H.H Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTA Chairman concluded: “Tourism is a vital tool in promoting goodwill and understanding between nations and their people. It is the single biggest contributing industry to the global economy and WTM provides an opportunity to grow business and to learn about new markets and opportunities. We look forward to sharing Abu Dhabi’s news with our industry colleagues. We look forward to welcoming our international colleagues onto our stand, as expressed by one of the core messages that underpins the Abu Dhabi tourism brand – travellers welcome.”
Information on Abu Dhabi and its rich offering will be distributed to visitors by leading Abu Dhabi companies including Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), Emirates Palace, Shangri-la Hotel, Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH Travco), Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) and National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCTH).
