ETW STAFF – New Delhi
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is to begin 2013 with a five-city road show taking in key cities in India as it looks to build inbound tourism from India, which is now the emirate’s second largest international hotel guest source market. The authority, together with its trade partner Lama Tours, will lead a 12-strong industry delegation representing its attractions, hotels and airline sectors in a five-day whistle-stop promotion taking in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai from January 7-11, 2013.
“This is the first time we have included Ahmedabad and this is to leverage the recent launch, by Etihad Airways, of a daily flight from this largest Gujarat city to Abu Dhabi,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi.
Weddings and MICE business is high on the delegation’s agenda. One member – the five-star The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, which was recently named the ‘Ultimate Beach Destination’ by leading European online agent E-Bookers, already has a large Indian wedding booked for next month.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers meanwhile has Indian MICE business firmly in its sights. “We are focusing in 2013 on the Indian business and MICE segments, and to some degree leisure, because Indian visitors are proving to be people who appreciate luxury hospitality and gourmet experiences,” said Doris Greif, general manager, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.
