Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADDH) and FTI Group, formalised their intent to partner and boost visitor numbers to the emirate and cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism destination. Under the terms of the intent agreement, collaboration will focus on increasing the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi from key European markets, including the UK, France and Germany. ADDH is set to inject 100 million euros in FTI Group which will also help expand the firm’s worldwide business outreach and enhance its vertical integration strategy across key tourism segments including tour operation, destinations management, own content and distribution. In 2010, the firm established its flagship destination management company Meeting Point Tourism LLC in the UAE.
Mohamed Al Suwaidi, CEO of ADDH, commented, “Our strategic partnership with FTI Group reflects our wider commitment, in alignment with the Abu Dhabi Government, to support the emirate’s ambition in the tourism sector. The collaboration will not only create more opportunities to enhance Abu Dhabi’s sustainable tourism sector, but it also aligns with our mandate to further develop sectors of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy.”
Dietmar Gunz, CEO of FTI Group, said, “ADDH is an exciting partner for FTI group given its portfolio of hotels and presence in the exhibition, aviation, culture and media sectors, which will enable us to design a new class of exclusive holiday packages for the ultimate customer experience.”
“Abu Dhabi is an increasingly growing tourism market and has been part of our company’s long-term expansion and consolidation strategy in the region. In the coming months, we will open our first fully serviced offices in Abu Dhabi – a clear indication of our commitment to the UAE capital,” Roula Jouny, CEO of Meeting International Group, concluded.