Abu Dhabi will highlight its tourism credentials as a destination of distinction when a delegation, led by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, embarks on a roadshow to four European countries in four days.

In a bid to build on impressive numbers of inbound tourists from the continent, the delegation will visit Milan, Italy, on 14th March followed by Paris, France the next day and then Manchester, UK and finishing in Amsterdam, Holland.

Joining TCA Abu Dhabi will be UAE national airline Etihad Airways, Al Burj Travel, Big Bus Tours, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Jannah Hotels and Resorts, and Al Mafraq Hotel.

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions and Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi, said, "Europe is a vital market for us and these four countries alone delivered almost 400,000 guest arrivals in 2015 out of a total of 4.1 million who visited the emirate. Both the UK and Italy delivered double digit growth – Italy saw a rise of 26% and the UK saw a 14% rise year-on-year. France and Holland also both showed impressive increases.

"Along with our national airline and key stakeholders we will try to increase awareness of Abu Dhabi and its fantastic array of attractions across such a diverse destination, meeting with key industry partners and travel representatives. We have excellent connectivity from Europe through Etihad Airways and their partner airlines which already offers 35 flights a week from Italy into Abu Dhabi. The airline also offers double daily flights from Amsterdam with its codeshare partner KLM, 14 flights a week from Paris and three a day from Heathrow, London."

The UK is Abu Dhabi’s second largest international source market, delivering 232,337 guest arrivals last year, a rise of 14% on 2014, spending 958,022 guest nights – a rise of 9% on the previous year. Italy was the 11th largest overseas source market with 70,298 guest arrivals, France 14th with 59,831 guest arrivals and Holland providing 23,489 guest arrivals to come in 24th place. As well as focusing on our established European markets, we are looking to win market share from the Dutch outbound travel market."

A priority for these markets is to inspire further growth and extend the length of stay of visitors. The TCA Abu Dhabi roadshow is the latest of a number of initiatives targeting the European travel industry that continue throughout the year.

Source:WAM