ABU DHABI, 27th March, 2017 (WAM) -- A promotional roadshow themed "Visit UAE" started on Monday in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

The two-day tourist initiative, organised for the second year running by the Ministry of Economy in China, comprises an impressive array of displays and activities tailored to promote the UAE as a premier tourist destination. The roadshow will move tomorrow, 28th March, to Beijing.

The visiting UAE delegation is headed by Mohammed Khamis Al Mheiri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Advisor to the Minister for Tourism Affairs. Accompanying him are Abdullah Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of the Ministry of Economys Tourism Department, and representatives of travel agencies and hospitality companies.

Al Mheiri said that the roadshow fits within the context of the country' strategy to position the UAE among the world's favourite tourist havens on account of the significant role played by tourism, being one of the key sources of national income and its role, place and contribution to the GDP.

The roadshow reflects the collective nationwide efforts made by the Ministry of Economy in cooperation with bodies and departments concerned to highlight the countrys spectacular tourist destinations, attractions, and distinctive and innovative services in keeping with the wise leadership's vision for the post-oil era, he noted.

The organisation of such promotional events is of a paramount importance to showcase the immense tourist potential boasted by the UAE to different world countries, Al Mheiri added.

He noted that China is a priority tourism market for the UAE due to its great potential, highlighting the increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the UAE from 699,412 in 2015 to 877,990 in 2016. Al Mheiri cited the recent decision allowing Chinese visitors to apply for UAE visa on arrival as one of the significant steps taken to utilise the huge potential of the Chinese tourist market.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.