Abu Dhabi to highlight cultural tourism at WTM London

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business

The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi will be participating at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, UK from November, 6-8 and place cultural tourism high on the exhibition’s agenda. This year’s participation focuses on promoting the Emirate as a destination of distinction for tourists from across UK and neighbouring European countries.
WTM London is among the largest international exhibitions in the fields of travel, tourism, investment, air transport and travel technologies. Every year, approximately 5,000 bodies from almost 188 countries participate in this event, which attracts more than 3,000 media representatives, 4,200 experts and 50,000 visitors. Last year, the three-day global event generated more than AED13.6 billion in revenues for participants, as almost 5,000 exhibiting destinations, technology and private-sector companies joined under one roof to network and explore business opportunities.
The Department of Culture and Tourism- Abu Dhabi will be spearheading a delegation comprised of a total of 40 exhibitors including the Emirate’s finest hotels, resorts, attractions, tour operators and destination management companies. The Department’s exhibition stand will cover an area of 609 square metres and will present the Louvre Abu Dhabi to mark the much-anticipated opening of the museum on November 11.
His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, the Department of Culture and Tourism- Abu Dhabi, said: “This premier travel and tourism event offers a unique opportunity to reinforce the strong cultural attributes that characterise Abu Dhabi’s tourism scene. The platform also enables us to connect with other exhibitors and visitors to enhance the awareness of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region on an international level.”
“The UK is a top tier source market and the highest contributor of hotel guests to the Emirate from the European market and the third highest globally. Based on figures from September 2017, we have seen an increase of almost 5% in the number of UK visitors arriving and checking into our hotels compared to the same period in 2016. For the past three years the UK has recorded a double-digit growth percentage, so we are keen to keep them abreast of all the new attractions introduced by the Emirate. Moving forward, we will continue to position Abu Dhabi as year-round tourism destination.”
The Abu Dhabi Pavilion will host leading entities from the government and private sectors. In addition to returning exhibitors like Yas Island,
Etihad Airways and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this year’s pavilion will receive
15 new exhibitors including the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs – Abu Dhabi, the Tourism Police, the Tourism Development Investment Company, as well as a host of luxury hotels and resorts.
Other attractions to further boost tourism figures include the much-awaited opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island on November 11. The museum will house 600 pieces of art in 23 state-of-the-art galleries under an impressive 180-metre wide dome.
The pavilion will also see a series of entertainment and performances to help event visitors and consumers get a first-hand experience of Abu Dhabi’s many cultural attractions, including live cooking shows to promote Emirati cuisine, as well as a special corner dedicated to artisans showcasing their handicrafts skills transferred and preserved across generations. Visitors will also be entertained with traditional Al Ayala dances accompanied with Emirati music, providing visitors with an immersive experience into the innovation and creativity of the old Emirati generations.