Abu Dhabi sharpens focus on Spain

In a special interview with TravTalk ME, Abdulla Yousuf, Director – International Markets at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), highlighted Spain as one of the emirate’s key source markets under its long-term Vision 2030 tourism strategy. Yousuf explained that Spain has been identified as a high-potential European market, prompting DCT Abu Dhabi to roll out targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening trade engagement and destination awareness. These include hosting familiarisation trips for Spanish travel partners, launching dedicated e-learning programmes, and maintaining regular communication through market-specific newsletters.
“Being present at FITUR brings us closer to achieving our vision,” Yousuf said, emphasising the importance of direct engagement with partners. During the event, DCT Abu Dhabi conducted multiple training sessions for Spanish tour operators to enhance product knowledge and improve destination sellability.
Further reinforcing these efforts, DCT Abu Dhabi was invited by the Confederation of Spanish Travel Agencies to participate in a special networking event with Spanish agents, offering an additional platform to showcase Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offering.
Supporting this market development is strong air connectivity growth. Yousuf noted that year-on-year capacity between Abu Dhabi and Spain has increased by over 29% through the emirate’s national carriers, significantly improving access and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position in the Spanish outbound travel market.