Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is embarking on a four-day, four-city roadshow in Europe 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 six strong delegation of the emirate’s tourism stakeholders will join the roadshow from March 23 to 26 starting in Milan in Italy, before heading to Munich in Germany, then Paris in France and ending the tour in London, UK.

Joining the TCA will be representatives from the UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways, Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Al Burj Travel, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Farah Leisure and Hilton Abu Dhabi.

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 UK was the second largest overseas market for hotel guests in Abu Dhabi in 2014, behind India, with 203,788 Britons checking into the emirate’s hotels and apartments - a 25 per cent increase on the previous year. British arrivals accounted for more than 877,000 guest nights, an increase of 15 per cent on 2013 with an average length of stay of 4.3 nights.

Germany remained the third largest overseas market with 138,604 hotel guests, delivering more than 630,000 guest nights, up 8 per cent on the previous year. France produced the 15th most guest arrivals with 57,923 – an increase of 19 per cent on 2013 while Italy came in one place below with 55,619 guest arrivals – again a 19 per cent increase year-on-year.

“Europe is a hugely important market for us and these four countries alone made up more than 455,000 guest arrivals in 2014 out of a total of 3.4 million. The UK, France, Italy and Germany all showed double digit growth last year with the number of guest arrivals into Abu Dhabi compared to the preceding 12 months,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“We are confident of building on this success by working with our trade and travel partners in these respective European countries and facilitating more inbound traffic by displaying our diverse range of attractions across the emirate.”

Joining the roadshow will be the five-star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, the beachfront business hotel, offering 369 guest rooms and 5,500 sq m of conference and event space.

James Fynes, director of business development, said: “Over the past year we have hosted international delegations, large-scale incentive groups and global conferences from European-based organisations. The European market continues to be a huge focus area of developing business. With the European market you can see a drive in business across all segments – MICE, Corporate, Free Independent Traveller (FIT) and Leisure.”

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers will also be present at the European roadshow, along with another five-star luxury hotel, Hilton Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi presents exciting opportunities for travellers from Europe due to the excellent flight connections, short proximity, climate and exciting culture. Being in the heart of the city, as the leading contemporary luxury property, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers combines the location with professional but personal and friendly hospitality services, diverse culinary offerings and culturally connected experiences,” said Stefan Fuchs, general manager at the hotel.

“This interest gives us the opportunity to engage and forge greater ties in both the leisure and corporate segments.”

Al Burj Travel & Tours, a destination management company, tour operator and travel agent providing sightseeing tours, dhow cruises, desert safaris, will be launching special wedding and golf packages during the roadshow along with fully tailored culture and heritage packages on Sir Bani Yas island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

Europe currently provides 20 per cent of the company’s market, which Al Burj Travel & Tours will be looking to increase during the coming months. – TradeArabia News Service