UK tips Abu Dhabi as watersports destination

Leading members of the UK travel trade are tipping Abu Dhabi as an upcoming international watersports destination with the emirate's Volvo Ocean Race campaign bringing the emirate's offering into the global sector spotlight. Travel trade decision-makers have been given a brief on Abu Dhabi's expanding watersports offering and its 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race campaign during a gathering when they sailed Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing's Azzam yacht in the Solent Channel near Cowes on the Isle of Wight and met the team's skipper, double Olympian Ian Walker. "The aim was to ensure these influencers are fully aware of Abu Dhabi's watersports credentials and plans for the hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race in the UAE capital over Christmas and New Year 2014/2015," explained Nabeel Al Zarouni, Country Manager UK, Abu Dhabi Tourism '&' Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). Now the emirate is likely to feature on a new website being planned by Hayes '&' Jarvis and Thomson Tailormade of Tui Travel Plc's Specialist Holidays Group. "I think Abu Dhabi could eventually prove popular for those customers really serious about watersports," said Katie Parsons, Regional Product Manager, Hayes '&' Jarvis and Thomson Tailormade. "It is something we can look at on our new web site later this year and give Abu Dhabi a focus. We would also include more about the cycle tours of the Abu Dhabi Corniche and Yas Island, the desert camps and the host of events that the destination now promotes - this is a multi-faceted destination." Parsons said her companies could now investigate selling Abu Dhabi as a stopover during the Volvo Race hosting for clients flying to Australia and New Zealand during the holiday period. The hosting's stopover potential was also highlighted by Sundarshan Napit, Manager of Brightsun Travel (UK) Ltd. "It think Abu Dhabi can be a watersports destination and the Volvo Ocean Race hosting fortnight can be sold to passengers going beyond Abu Dhabi by attracting them with specific stopover packages," he said. The Marketing Head of Flight Centre UK Ltd, Siobhan McGarvey, said Abu Dhabi is now well placed to leverage its sporting infrastructure. "We could see the destination being promoted as the new home of sport because of its three championship golf courses, its tennis championship, the Grand Prix and, of course, the Volvo Ocean Race stopover and we could help support this message," she said. "I think there are lots of opportunities to promote Abu Dhabi with twin centre options, extended stopover stay and new experiences to do each day in the destination." The Product Manager of Southall Travel Limited, Amanda Blair, said the emirate's watersports offering is a winner. "Abu Dhabi is excellently placed as a watersports destination. With its year-round sunny climate and vast range of watersports on offer, there is something for everyone from Wadi Adventure to sea cruises, diving and international sports resorts. All ages, capabilities and interests are catered for. "We would promote this as THE place to be for Christmas/New Year 2014/2015 using all platforms available - national press, glossy magazines, our own wholesale team, CRM and outdoor as we want to reach as many people as possible to promote Abu Dhabi's watersports facilities and the Volvo Ocean Race."