Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is heading to China next week, visiting five major cities with a dedicated roadshow aiming to showcase the emirate to the People’s Republic and to reinforce the already rapid growth of inbound tourism from the country.

A 15-strong delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and comprising hotels, travel agents, attractions and the country’s national airline Etihad Airways, will visit Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong over five days from March 28th.

China is the third largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi, with 2015 seeing 177,198 Chinese guest arrivals into Abu Dhabi - an increase of 47% over the previous year – and a 31% increase in guest nights at the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments, to 263,675.

"It is crucial for us to continue to increase our presence in the Chinese market and boost awareness about the many and varied products we have across the emirate. China is an extremely important overseas source market for us," said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions and Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"We are still working hard, though, to encourage our Chinese visitors to experience more of our burgeoning tourism offerings and spend longer in the emirate. Last year we welcomed 23 hotels, attractions and experiences into the Welcome Chinese programme in partnership with China Tourism Academy, which has helped boost our inbound numbers considerably, and we hope this Roadshow will help translate these impressive inbound numbers into longer stays for our Chinese friends."

Joining TCA Abu Dhabi will be Emirates Palace hotel; Jannah Hotels and Resorts; Le Royal Meridien Hotel; City Seasons Hotels; Danat Hotels and Resorts; Armed Forces Officers Club; Premier Travel and Tourism; Planet Travels and Tours; Miral Destination Management; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Omeir Holidays; Al Burj Travel and Tours; Al Bada Resort; Arabian Adventures as well as the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways.

While there are already daily flights to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong, from August 1st, 2016, the daily service to Shanghai will be upgraded with the introduction of the new 299-seat 787 Dreamliner, which is expected to further boost inbound travel.

Source:WAM