Record delegation from emirate's tourism industry gathers for London show

Abu Dhabi is making a major bid for tourism business with a record delegation converging on this year's World Travel Market (WTM), the leading global event for the travel industry which started today in London.

The showpiece global travel event (ExCel 4-7 November) features an eye-catching pavilion-style stand created by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which has attracted exhibitors from over 30 stakeholders spanning Abu Dhabi's tourism industry - a WTM record for the emirate.

World Travel Market 2013 organisers are forecasting that this year's event will attract 50,000 of the global travel and tourism industry's most senior executives and will trigger business deals worth over £2 billion.

Abu Dhabi's stand features representatives from over 15 hotels, resorts and hospitality companies, together with visitor attractions, inbound tour operators, and several executives from across TCA Abu Dhabi's operations.

New this year on the stand is Yas Island, whose dedicated area features tablet computers showcasing the events, attractions and hotels that are turning Yas into a tourism magnet in its own right.

Also enjoying a London first is Al Ain Zoo, which is counting down to the launch of its Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre in 2014 and the completion of the Zoo's radical overhaul a year later. The two are joined by Arabian Nights Village and City Seasons as the quartet of debutantes at this year's event.

TCA Abu Dhabi has also chosen WTM to unveil details of the first packages for the Volvo Ocean Race's stopover in Abu Dhabi in December 2014/January 2015, when the UAE capital will create an international tourism beacon in the form of a waterfront destination village to celebrate the race's arrival in the Arabian Gulf.

Said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority's Director of Promotions and Overseas Offices: "The size of our delegation underlines the importance of tourism to Abu Dhabi, and everyone on our stand is united in using this year's WTM to communicate Abu Dhabi's crystal-clear credentials as an affordable luxury destination.

"Our hotel partners are more focused than ever before on creating rates to catch the eye of the international travel trade, and our visitor attractions are sending a clear message that Abu Dhabi should ride high in the wish-lists of travellers who want to experience the best that the world's tourism industry has to offer - without breaking the bank!"

Visitors to the stand are being given the opportunity to have their photo taken in Yas Island's interactive green-screen photobooth, with the results showing their faces at the destination's top attractions, including on Ferrari World Abu Dhabi's Formula Rossa - the world's fastest roller-coaster ride.

On-stand social media competitions include the chance to win amazing getaways such as a Yas Island retreat, Etihad Airways economy tickets, sunset cruises at Yas Marina and premium passes to Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

-ENDS-

For press information contact:
Results PR
Helen Batte / Jasmin Othman / Felicity Thompson
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8924
E: TeamAbuDhabi@resultspr.co.uk 

TCA Abu Dhabi: World Travel Market 2013, Stand ME300

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike.

The authority manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.