Abu Dhabi is generating a high level of interest as a multi-faceted, unexplored and exotic destination for the upwardly-mobile aspirational Indian traveller. Continuing the high focus and emphasis on India as the destination’s leading outbound source market for hotel guests, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) recently organised ‘Evening with Abu Dhabi’ in Goa.
TCA Abu Dhabi, along with Etihad Airways and Jet Airways, invited travel trade professionals in Goa over an evening of discovering the multi-faceted attractions of Abu Dhabi. The destination is now closer than ever for Indian travellers with Jet Airways commencing daily direct flights between Abu Dhabi– Goa. The event saw a great response with prominent travel trade professionals coming for networking with the TCA Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and Jet Airways teams.
Reiterating the firm commitment to India market, Bejan Dinshaw, country manager– India, TCA Abu Dhabi said, “We are excited to market Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice for Goa. Abu Dhabi is closer than ever to India and especially Goa now with the daily direct flight connectivity. Goa is well-known as the home of the fun-loving, who enjoy life to the fullest. Abu Dhabi with its entertainment options, iconic properties, culture and heritage is the complete destination for a fresh holiday experience. We are positive with the growth potential of this market.”
Raj Sivakumar, chief commercial officer, Jet Airways said, “Goa is an important tourist destination and an emerging market with one of the highest GDP per capita in the country, catering to Indian and international tourists alike. Jet Airways’ Goa – Abu Dhabi flight provides a direct convenient connection to Abu Dhabi and beyond to over 140 destinations in a seamless manner through Etihad Airways and other partner carriers. We expect a substantial growth of incoming tourist traffic in the coming months.”
Abu Dhabi offers fresh and exotic attractions with a blend of both traditional and the modern. It is growing as a choice destination for leisure, special interest, destination weddings, honeymooners, niche travellers and also an increasing MICE movement. India is currently Abu Dhabi’s leading overseas source market. Abu Dhabi welcomed 231,702 Indian hotel guests in 2014 at a growth rate of 32 per cent over 2013. There were 850,443 guest nights in 2014, at a growth rate of 23 per cent over 2013.