The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi successfully hosted a delegation of 11 key stakeholders and senior travel experts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA.
ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2018) The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi successfully hosted a delegation of 11 key stakeholders and senior travel experts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA.
Given the Kingdom's important source-market status and the long-standing history it shares with the UAE, this high-level trade meeting focused on ways to leverage opportunities and address challenges as Abu Dhabi aims at attracting 5.5 million visitors by the end of 2018, of which Saudis make up a significant number.
In collaboration with Etihad Airways and the Aviation Sector Development Committee, ASDC, DCT Abu Dhabi welcomed guests as they arrived on Etihad flights in a true show of Emirati hospitality. The luxurious Grand Hyatt Hotel Abu Dhabi hosted the delegation throughout their stay, and visits to Abu Dhabi’s attractions Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, Saadiyat Rotana, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zaya Nurai Island Resort and Emirates Palace have been organised. The familiarisation tour enabled guests to discover and explore the emirate’s culturally enriching offerings and diverse attractions.
DCT Abu Dhabi also hosted a joint meeting with the delegation to discuss ways of unlocking untapped opportunities and addressing emerging challenges in an aim to increase visitation from the Saudi market.
Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "We would like to thank the Saudi representatives for their visit and we are confident that these fruitful discussions will further support Abu Dhabi’s promotional efforts in the region and beyond. Following a history of strong ties, the UAE and KSA are working closely together in an exceptional model of cooperation, to attract more tourists and add impetus to economic diversification efforts in the region.
"With its ever-growing contribution of guests to Abu Dhabi’s hotels, KSA is a vital market for us and has contributed greatly to the record 4.9 million guest numbers last year. More specifically, Saudi Arabia registered more than 151,000 hotel guests in 2017, which was an increase of 3 percent from 2016, highlighting the strategic importance of engaging Saudi tourists. We look forward to implementing joint initiatives aimed at enticing an increasing number of Saudi visitors to visit our capital."
Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as an attractive destination for Saudi travellers given its diverse range of leisure and entertainment for family members of all ages. Earlier this year, DCT Abu Dhabi concluded a successful roadshow engaging with industry stakeholders across three Saudi cities.
