Abu Dhabi is looking to tourism to help diversify its economy from a reliance on hydrocarbons. The plan includes positioning itself as an attractive destination for the meetings and incentives market.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) expects the emirate’s Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector will play a crucial role in Abu Dhabi’s overall economic expansion aligned to Abu Dhabi Government’s 2030 Economic Vision. Accordingly, a delegation representing Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is heading to Germany to participate in IMEX Frankfurt 2016, a global MICE trade show.
For Abu Dhabi, participation in events such as IMEX Frankfurt 2016 playing a key role in facilitating such vital growth. The show, which runs from 19th to 21st April, is expected to draw thousands of exhibitors and key decision-makers from around the world to the central German city.
Led by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of TCA Abu Dhabi, the delegation will comprise a 20-strong portfolio of products, including the emirate’s national airline, Etihad Airways, leading hotels, destination management companies, resorts, attractions and tour operators.
“The world-class business tourism and meetings facilities in Abu Dhabi mean the emirate has every aspect covered when hosting large-scale international conventions and association events. There are now 169 hotels and hotel apartments across the emirate offering more than 29,000 rooms at highly competitive prices,” Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of TCA Abu Dhabi, said in a statement.
“There are currently regular flights to Abu Dhabi from several major German cities, and the country represents our sixth largest provider of overseas visitors, rising 7 per cent last year on the previous 12 months. We obviously hope to build on these impressive visitor figures during our visit to IMEX Frankfurt 2016.”
Joining the delegation will be Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the multi-award-winning hotel which features a conference centre, Observation Deck, world-class spa and private beach. “We are upbeat regarding business potential for 2016/2017,” said Stefan Fuchs, General Manager of the hotel. “The European market, with special attention to Germany, the UK and Italy, offer exciting opportunities for us to both engage and forge greater ties and opportunities. Visitors from these markets in particular are increasingly seeing the value in visiting the UAE’s capital for both business and leisure.”
“Jumeirah at Etihad Towers had a very positive 2015, especially with regards to German and European visitors. In 2015 room nights booked by visitors from Germany increased by 12% compared to 2014 figures. A steady increase in room nights by European guests was also recorded for 2015,” he added.
The five-star St. Regis Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2013 offering 283 rooms and suites, 10 restaurants and bars, five meeting rooms, one ballroom with a capacity of up to 1,000 people and the Nation Riviera Beach Club, will also be part of the Abu Dhabi delegation to Frankfurt.
“We are targeting a 10 per cent increase in overall revenue in 2016, and we will be hosting a large German travel agent incentive trip this month. We also plan to increase our international group volume especially from the European market, so participating in IMEX Frankfurt 2016 is a great opportunity for us,” said Tanja Simolke, Sales Manager Groups & Events at the hotel, "The St. Regis Abu Dhabi enjoyed a very successful year in 2015, exceeding our banquet expectations as well as hosting many international conferences and training events in 2015.”
Also involved in the trip will be hotels such as The Armed Forces Officers Club, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Le Royal Meridien, Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Rotana Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, and the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. In addition, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Forsan International Sports Resort, SNTTA Emir Tours & Travel, Al Burj Travel, 1001 Events, Yas Events Centre, MCI Middle East and INDEX Holding will also be attending.
The Al Ain Club Investment Company, which manages the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, the home of Al Ain Football Club, will also be in attendance, promoting the latest development at the iconic stadium; the Aloft Al Ain Hotel.
Rashed Abdullah, Senior Stadium Manager at Al Ain Club Investment Company, said: “The Aloft Al Ain Hotel is a 174 key hotel in the heart of the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium Development, and features a rooftop pool and a number of dining outlets. We are happy to be attending IMEX Frankfurt 2016 as we want to encourage new MICE clients to consider the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, with the new hotel, which is adjacent to the stadium, offering breathtaking views of the pitch.”
