The three-day Abu Dhabi Week organised in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, recently was a pointer to the significance of the Kerala market for the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. In 2017 Abu Ahabi Week was organised in Mumbai and Delhi, and in 2018 the locations were Kochi and Kolkata. “India is an important market for us. We see a lot of potential in Kerala. Last year we did many big campaigns in India along with various activities, increasing arrivals by a significant percentage, and this year also we are expecting the same growth trend. Abu Dhabi had welcomed 3,60,000 Indian hotel guests last year,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director, Promotions and Overseas Offices, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. He added that the near future will continue the focus on this market with activities like FAM trips, participation in different trade shows, and roadshows across the country.
Abu Dhabi is keen to promote itself as the perfect destination for weddings in the India market. The emirate has already been discovered as a MICE destination by Indian corporates. Last year saw good traction from India, 2018 too is expected to attract big MICE groups. Abu Dhabi has leveraged on hosting events to attract international visitors. The events calendar of Abu Dhabi has much to offer to the Indian visitor every month. Pointing out that Abu Dhabi is a family destination, Bejan Dinshaw, country manager of India, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism affirmed that the emirate organises many such festivals and events which have something for every member of the family, across age groups.
The three-day event in Kochi was a big draw for visitors and gave them a glimpse of the tourism attractions in the city and experience its culture. The highlights included Ferrari Ki Sawaari, virtual experience of Yas Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Souk (Arabic market), Arabic dance and music, and much more. “We want the people to be exposed to what Abu Dhabi offers as a destination. It is a showcase of our products and will encourage people to visit. The event was primarily B2C, but there were tour operators here also from Abu Dhabi,” said Dinshaw. For visitors there were a lot of giveaways and contests.
Popular Malayalam actor Govind Padmasoorya was associated with the inauguration of Abu Dhabi Week in Kochi.