The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is looking to stimulate visitor demand to the emirate by leading a nine-strong delegation of Abu Dhabi and Far East-based travel suppliers to Korea and Japan this week.

The authority, along with Etihad Airways, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, among other, will stage destination roadshows in Seoul and Busan in Korea from August 25 to 26.

The roadshow will then head to the Japanese capital of Tokyo on August 28, where the delegation will be joined by local tour operators Travco Japan and Miki Tourist – who through their partners represent home-grown hospitality group Jannah Hotels and Resorts’ deluxe Eastern Mangroves Suites and five-star full-service Burj Al Sarab Abu Dhabi properties.

The promotions come as officials push to further strengthen ties with the travel industry in each country and fulfil potential for growth highlighting the diversity of the emirate’s heritage and luxury propositions.

“We are delighted that Japanese and Korean tour operators have chosen to represent themselves alongside our Abu Dhabi-based partners to push their expanding portfolio of products to a travel industry audience seeking new products to sell,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to bring in dedicated Abu Dhabi providers to our annual Korea and Japan roadshow, and together, we shall present a range of packages featuring Abu Dhabi’s luxury accommodation and heritage experiences aimed at stimulating further growth and which resonate for nationals of both countries,” added Al Nuaimi.

A spike in demand from South Korean nationals for the first six month of 2015 has raised guest arrivals by 15 per cent compared to the same period the previous year. Meanwhile, 13,013 Japanese guests checked in to the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments in 2014, an increase of 5 per cent over the previous year.

Daily flights to the Korean capital Seoul, and twin services into the cities of Tokyo and Nagoya in Japan, will be key messages imparted by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, during the roadshow.

Increasing inbound travel from Korea and Japan by 25 to 30 per cent is an objective for Ahmad El Mosfi, general manager Abu Dhabi & Al Ain at Cozmo Travel, a UAE-based destination management company (DMC) for Air Arabia Holidays. “We will be launching a series of new Abu Dhabi culture, sports and adventure products next year which are relevant to the Korean and Japanese markets, and we will be promoting Abu Dhabi as a destination which can cater to all these needs.” – TradeArabia News Service