Tag Archives: Abu Dhabi

The participation of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018 concluded after four  days showcasing distinct business growth, increased tourist arrivals and significant new partnership deals. Leading a large delegation to ATM, DCT Abu Dhabi was joined by 77 stakeholders representing more than 90 products in order to build further momentum behind increased guest arrival numbers. Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is enjoying steady growth as the emirate continues to position itself as an attractive destination for visitors and investors alike. In 2017, Abu Dhabi attracted a record number of guests, around 5 million (4,875,499), which was a growth of 9.8% on the previous year. Abu Dhabi is now targeting an annual increase of 11%. This year, DCT Abu Dhabi achieved record first quarter hotel traffic amounting to a 10.9% rise over the corresponding period of 2017. This growth was driven by a surge of visitors from the UK, Germany, India, China, United States and the GCC region. On the back of this impressive performance, the Department is moving closer to achieving its target of welcoming 8.5 million guests to Abu Dhabi by 2021. HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is an inspiring destination and we invite visitors to truly experience its authentic cultural heritage and world-class facilities. The consecutive increases for guest arrivals is clear testament to the Emirate’s growing international appeal. At ATM, we have successfully positioned the capital as a global destination of distinction built on unique experiences and a rich cultural heritage.”

The number of  guests staying in Abu Dhabi’s 163 hotels and hotel apartments in March reached to 464,960, representing an increase of 12.3% compared to the same month last year, according to a report by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi . This means that the total number of hotel guests in the first three months of the year was 1,289,537, a year-on-year increase of 10.9% with key international markets registering impressive percentage gains. During the month, the numbers of visitors from leading international source market China increased by 15.4% to number 40,800, Indian guests increased by 32% to number 35,200 and the UK increased by 24% to reach 28,000. Other key markets, notably the United States and Germany, also registered double-digit increases with the US up 29% to 19,300 and Germany rising 36% to 18,800 guests. The figures follow a record-breaking 2017 when just shy of five million visitors stayed in Abu Dhabi city, Al Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra’s range of accommodation. UAE-based guests also increased in March to number 134,631, a rise from March 2017’s total of 130,125. The first quarter of this year has seen China maintain its position as leading international hotel guest supplier, with more than 127,000 Chinese staying in the emirate. Indian visitors have surged past 100,000 and showed a 30% increase. HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Our progress in attracting more people to explore the emirate as a visitor destination.Our targeted marketing investment in key source markets is being rewarded with impressive double-digit growth as our global awareness grows and we develop into a ‘must visit’ destination built on unique experiences and rich cultural heritage”.

Rotana has announced a new management agreement in the capital of Egypt at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018 in Dubai. The agreement for a new 200-room five-star in New Cairo City will bring the company’s total inventory in the country to 726 keys. Marking the company’s strong presence at the annual industry event, Rotana is sharing key updates about its robust pipeline of 48 properties that are scheduled for opening before 2020. The company currently operates 16,161 keys across its 60 hotels in 23 cities and with the launch of the hotels under construction, Rotana will have a presence in 40 cities globally. Among key Rotana hotels on display at the exhibition, include the company’s three latest openings in the UAE. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, a luxurious five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi, took centrestage at the exhibition. With a soft opening in March 2018, the luxury resort is situated on Saadiyat Beach, a nine-kilometre stretch of white sand on the sprawling Saadiyat Island and features 354 luxurious rooms and suites in addition to 13 private beach villas. To make it appealing to discerning leisure, business and MiCE guests seeking a new resort and destination experience, the one-of-a-kind five-star property features seven modern dining options, three fully-equipped banquet and event rooms, a ballroom and an outdoor event venue.

Fortifying its pre-eminent position in Abu Dhabi’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector – Rotana inaugurated the Pearl Rotana Hotel at Capital Centre. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of  Mohammed Bin Juan Al Badie Al Dhaeri, Al Badie Group; Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, Rotana, top executives from both companies and honourable guests. Pearl Rotana is a modern-designed hotel located in the hub of the city, across from Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), 20 minutes from the airport and in close proximity to all the main attractions. Al Dhaeri, said, “With its solid business growth and strong portfolio, Rotana has established its name as the bellwether of the region’s hospitality industry and it gives us immense pleasure to partner with the company. This partnership will benefit our shareholders and the local economy and strengthen our position in the domestic and international markets. We look forward to further collaboration with Rotana in the future to achieve our shared vision of contributing to the sustainable growth of the UAE while thriving in our business.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched an online Event Ticketing System, part of its Event Licensing System. This new system aims to streamline and facilitate event registration and licensing procedures, in addition to establishing a database for tracking tourism performance, growth trends and types of events, collating event information – including segments, speakers and activities – and providing indicators of rates of success and achievement of objectives. DCT held a series of specialised workshops for those interested in using the Event Ticketing System, including hotel establishments, event organisers, shopping centres and hall owners. The system includes events where tickets are sold after obtaining the initial approval from the system, in addition to providing an additional database for ticketed events. Nasser Al Reyami, Director – Regulatory and Licensing Department, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “This system is a new starting point for the Event Licensing System, which is managed by DCT Abu Dhabi with the aim of providing solutions and infrastructure to support its activities and maintaining the steady growth of the emirate’s tourism sector. This step reflects our commitment to adopting an e-services system, consolidating Abu Dhabi’s leadership as a sustainable tourism destination and a global economic hub.”

Held in Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat from April 8-12, CultureSummit brought together global leaders from the fields of arts, media, public policy and technology to discuss the role of culture in building bridges and promoting positive change in society. Steering Committee member HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “As the world’s first high-level summit of leaders across the arts, technology and policy, convening figures from every corner of the world is no small feat. It wouldn’t be possible without the support and global reach of Etihad Airways, which in this case truly lives up to its mission of ‘Bringing the world together.'” Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President – Commercial, Etihad Airways, said, “With the recent opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, in addition to a number of major events held throughout the year, Abu Dhabi is quickly establishing itself as a vibrant hub for the arts and culture. The CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018, which is set to welcome approximately 500 participants from 80 countries, is a unique opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi to the world, and Etihad Airways is honoured to play a role in bringing the world together for this inspiring event.” The theme for CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018 is ‘Unexpected Collaborations: Forging New Connections Between Heritage and Innovation, Near and Far, Creativity and Purpose.’

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum has recently opened for GCC for the summer season with an expanded offering for guests. New villas and suites overlooking the Paradise Bay will be available, and more butlers will be on hand to maintain the resort’s reputation for excellent service. Guests can savour new menus at the resort’s award-winning restaurants and book its new Flavours of Bodrum accommodation package. Guests staying at Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum now have three new villas and the Bougainvillea and Royal Suites to choose from in addition to the existing selection of guest rooms, apartments, suites and villas. The Bougainvillea Suite, also known as the honeymoon suite, is in a secluded spot at the far end of resort. The 95-square metre retreat features a single bedroom and private swimming pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. The sea-view Royal Suite, with seven rooms, private garden and swimming pool is the largest on the Bodrum Peninsula with 533 square metres of space. Including its existing seven-room villa, the resort now offers large-scale family accommodation on the Peninsula. All suites and villas at the resort have infinity pools and private terraces overlooking the sea.

A tourism delegation led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) visited three major cities in China this month, to help raise awareness about the emirate as a holiday destination for Chinese travellers. The delegation, which included Etihad Airways, hotels, tour operators and attractions, first visited capital city Beijing, followed by Nanjing and finally Guangzhou, for its annual roadshow. China is now the leading overseas source market for Abu Dhabi hotel guests, with the latest figures revealing a 40.9 per cent increase, year-to-date, from visitors from China compared to 2017. In the first two months of 2018, 86,400 Chinese visited the emirate, with February alone accounting for an impressive 83.6 per cent increase. The Department is targeting 600,000 Chinese hotel guests a year by 2021. DCT Abu Dhabi has been spearheading a number of delegations visiting the Chinese market on roadshows and promotional exhibitions. Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director Promotions and Overseas Offices, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “With a diverse range of leisure, entertainment options, high-quality hotels and shopping malls, Abu Dhabi will continue to position itself as an attractive destination for Chinese travellers. Moving forward, we will continue to promote Abu Dhabi’s unique offerings focused on presenting the best culturally-enriching experiences to our Chinese visitors who are seeking to experience new cultures.”

Beginning with the summer schedule, Etihad Airways has launched its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Abu Dhabi–Geneva route. The three-class aircraft, featuring eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats, replaces the Airbus A330s previously operating daily on the route, and offers additional cargo capacity. Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “We are delighted that Switzerland, one of our most attractive markets for both business and leisure travellers, will now be exclusively served by our flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner.” “In addition to maintaining attractive timings for guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Geneva, we will create further suitable connections in many markets that will benefit more travellers to conveniently connect to Geneva via our Abu Dhabi hub. Through our optimised schedule, more business and leisure guests from an increasing number of destinations will now have the opportunity to experience our next generation aircraft throughout their journey with us.” The new generation aircraft’s environmental performance brings a number of operational advantages, such as a 12 per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous aircraft on the route and a concomitant substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Pearl Rotana has announced the opening of its business and leisure-led hotel, Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, located a few steps away from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). An extensive array of spacious rooms and suites await guests, many of which present stunning sea views. The property has five dining venues, including two distinctive new concepts set to disrupt the Abu Dhabi dining scene. With central location to top attractions, in the buzzing Capital Centre area, and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s International Airport, the hotel makes for an ideal place to stay, immerse and experience the UAE capital to the fullest. “We are thrilled to offer Abu Dhabi residents and global travellers with an all new contemporary hospitality experience,” says Karim Nahas,General Manager, Pearl Rotana. “Following the recent announcement from the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), an impressive 7.4 per cent increase from last year in hotel guests to the capital, shows growth in the market,” he said. The 315 light, modern rooms and suites offer high-speed wireless internet, complimentary coffee and tea making facility, daily local newspapers and IDD telephones together with deluxe beds for maximum comfort. In-room flat-screen TVs come with multi and satellite channels, suitable for all visitors.