TCA Abu Dhabi looks to explore Europe for MICE diversification

ABU DHABI / Emirates Business

Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), is spearheading a delegation representing an array of new products to Germany to participate in IMEX Frankfurt 2017, the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events (MICE).
The show, which runs from May 16-18, is regarded as Europe’s leading platform for development of business events sector and is expected to draw 10,000 delegates, exhibitors and key decision-makers from around the world to Frankfurt.
TCA Abu Dhabi has identified Business Tourism as a primary segment of a holistic strategy for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector which could lead to up to 4% GDP contribution by 2021, and MICE growth of 7%, with participation in events such as IMEX Frankfurt 2017 playing key role in facilitating such vital growth.
Commenting on the expectations from high-calibre Abu Dhabi delegation, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “2016 was a record-breaking year for Abu Dhabi in terms of visitor numbers, with estimated 2.2mn visits made for business travel purposes, and we have ambitious targets to grow this to 3mn business visitors by 2021. Our partners will validate that Abu Dhabi offers necessary intrinsic industry support to succeed as a hub for business travel, including world class infrastructure and exhibition facilities such as ADNEC, which reflect diversity and resilience of the emirate’s MICE sector.”