Abu Dhabi tourism prepares for summer campaign

More than 80 representatives from Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry gathered at the five-star The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa today to put the final touches on Summer in Abu Dhabi – the emirate

More than 80 representatives from Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry gathered at the five-star The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa today to put the final touches on Summer in Abu Dhabi – the emirate’s four-month seasonal campaign which ends on September 15.

Encompassing officials from Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Etihad Airways, as well as 50 hotels and 14 attractions from across the emirate, the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on all aspects of the seasonal collaboration – an initiative designed to spur increased summer visitation from domestic and regional source markets.

“To have garnered such unanimous support from our partners highlights how Summer in Abu Dhabi has evolved into one of the emirate’s key inbound incentives,” said Nasser Al Reyami, Director, Tourism Standards, TCA Abu Dhabi.

Having attracted some 90,000 daily visitors last year, the month-long Summer in Abu Dhabi festival at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is again the campaign’s hub activation. Running from June 21 to July 19, the family-friendly edutainment event will span four, jam-packed halls, while Abu Dhabi Sports Council will roll out its ’Sport & Games Festival’ in adjacent halls.

“Without a doubt, 29 days of events and activities at our Summer in Abu Dhabi festival are the bait on the hook for regional visitors,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events, Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi. “Our main selling point this year, however, is the emirate-wide spread of incentivised deals. Whether it is the kids promotions with Etihad Airways, the kids stay for free room deals at our partners hotels, or the host of two-for-one and other compelling offers at our host attractions, there is much more to see and do in Abu Dhabi than ever before. We have something for everyone.”

With hotel guests staying in Abu Dhabi under the promotion receiving a booklet of discount offers, including free kids passes to ADNEC’s Summer in Abu Dhabi festivities, the emirate’s tourism industry is buoyant about summer prospects.

“We expect to see a lot of traffic from Saudi Arabia as families take advantage of the package deals and special offers,” said Walid Alawar, Director of Sales & Marketing, Mafraq Hotel.

With his property falling within ADNEC, Stephan Vanden Auweele, Complex General Manager, Aloft Abu Dhabi, added: “Things are looking great and this year’s campaign is much more GCC-centric. With ADNEC being the focal point of activities, we’re anticipating strong business from GCC residents. Visitors may even extend their stay to take in Eid.”

Yas island partners, who offer a collection of hotels and leisure-based attractions within walking distance of each other, are also upbeat.

“This is a great opportunity for all of us,” said Heiner Werdeling, General Manager, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. “It’s fantastic to see such commitment from within the industry. With so many consolidated events and incentivised promotions, the campaign is growing into the best of its type in the region.”

Tickets can be bought at the door. People producing an Etihad boarding pass with validity from May 15 – July 19 get a single entry free.

Summer in Abu Dhabi will be open at ADNEC from 3pm – 9pm Sunday-Thursday; from 2pm until 10pm on Friday-Saturday.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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