Participation to build on steady tourism growth as delegation prepares to make key announcements and ink major agreements during the fair

Abu Dhabi, 17 April 2018:  The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced today that it will be participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, taking place between 22-25 April in the World Trade Center in Dubai.

Aligned with DCT Abu Dhabi’s promotional strategy, this participation aims to further elevate the Emirate’s profile as a leading destination of distinction and increase the number of guest arrivals.

DCT Abu Dhabi will be joined by 77 industry stakeholders including government departments, hotels, resorts, tourist attractions, leisure facilities, destination management companies, travel and holiday agents – all gathered to showcase over 95 tourism services and products. 

The Abu Dhabi pavilion at ATM features a design that embodies elements of Emirati culture and heritage while enabling visitors to seamlessly explore initiatives, offerings, and tourism programmes across Abu Dhabi. 

Commenting on the event, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is witnessing steady growth as the Emirate continues to position itself as a preferred destination for visitors and investors alike.

In 2017, we attracted a record number of guests, around 5 million (4,875,499), which was growth  of approximately 10% (9.8%) on the previous year.

In the coming years, we are targeting an annual increase of 11%, with a target of 8.5 million guests by 2021.

“What we have achieved so far is very encouraging and we look forward to sustaining this momentum as we seek to enhance ties with key stakeholders across our top source markets including, the UK, Germany, India, China, United States and the GCC region.

In line with these ambitions, ATM constitutes a major focus in our annual promotion plan as it enables us to position Abu Dhabi as a global destination of distinction built on unique experiences and rich cultural heritage.”

At this leading travel trade show, emphasis will be placed on highlighting existing and new products among the Emirate’s expanding portfolio of attractions, experiences and event across the three areas of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain region and Al Dhafra region.

The Abu Dhabi stand will also boast specific zones highlighting its diverse offerings such as Cruise Tourism, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirati Experiences, National Archives, Overseas and Promotion Offices, among many others, in addition to the presence of public sector entities including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi, Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and Abu Dhabi Airports.

In conjunction with the ‘Year of Zayed’, the pavilion will also celebrate the heritage and memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through a series of activities and events, including the Zayed Wall in cooperation with the National Archives. 

In addition to promotional tradeshows in overseas markets, Abu Dhabi continues to participate in key trade travel events across the world such the World Travel Market in London, and the ITB Berlin, in an aim to raise its appeal to an increasing number of tourists.

In February 2018, the number of hotel guests staying in the emirate increased by 15.2% compared to the same month the previous year, with 405,849 guests arrivals – an increase of 53,000 over the same month in 2017.