Abu Dhabi, January 13, 2013: Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is heading this week for its third showing at SATTE in New Delhi - India's largest travel trade fair - with a pavilion which is 80% larger than last year.

The authority and nine key stakeholders are taking part in the fair as India proves to be the emirate's second largest overseas source market for hotel guests - just behind the UK.

"The growth in Indian hotel guests has achieved double-digit levels throughout the past year and, if current growth trends continue, it is feasible that the country will overtake the UK as our largest international hotel guest market within 12 months," explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"We have achieved this growth through testing the waters in India via road shows and trade fairs and now with full-time, on-the-ground representation, we foresee a substantial increase in Indian visitation given the destination has the luxury, family and events offering which appeal to this market."

Joining the authority at SATTE are: leading DMC Emirates Tours & Safari LLC; Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Hotels & Resorts; the UAE's award-winning national carrier Etihad Airways which flies from nine Indian destinations; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - the world's largest indoor theme park with the world's fastest rollercoaster; the four-star Aloft Abu Dhabi which adjoins Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; the five-star, beachfront Jumeirah at Etihad Towers; the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit - home to the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; the instantly recognizable Big Bus Tours and the five-star InterContinental Abu Dhabi ,which has undergone huge beachfront upgrades and refurbishment.

Big Bus Tours says the Indian market is so important to it that it now offers recorded commentary in Hindi - one of 10 languages it makes available to guests.

"Indians are one of the top 10 nationalities opting to get onboard Big Bus Tours and we want to increase this market share," said a company spokesperson.

"At SATTE we would like to meet general sales agents to cover the Indian market and sell Big Bus tickets against commission, by contract or ticket purchase on The Big Bus Tours website."

The landmark Jumeirah at Etihad Towers has India's outbound MICE segment firmly in its sights.

"We will focus on business and MICE travel as well as the leisure segments in India because they appreciate luxury hospitality and gourmet experiences and these will be the mainstay of our efforts in the Indian market in 2013," said Doris Greif, General Manager, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.

"The Indian market is important to our overall client mix, especially given its relative proximity and propensity to travel. It is hoped that not only will our general business and leisure base further expand, but opportunities for MICE travel and events that utilize our luxury and state-of-the-art conference centre will also increase."

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is looking to build on its already substantial Indian fan base.

"From what we've seen in our first two year of operation, our theme park has great appeal to Indians," said Bruno Wiley, Sales Director, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. "Through the partnerships we're seeking with the travel industry there we hope that we'll be able to help create great destination offers for the Indian market so more can enjoy the unique Ferrari World Abu Dhabi experience.

"The Indian market is a big market for the UAE and, within that broader tourism landscape, for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Because of the iconic status of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, its international brand recognition and the unique entertainment experience it offers, travel agencies consider the park a must-visit on their recommended UAE itineraries. A large number of Indians are also familiar with the UAE through regular visits to family and friends residing in the country. As a result we enjoy an excellent footfall from Indian tourist groups.

"We are part of an exciting leisure hub, Yas Island, and our entertainment proposition perfectly complements the destination's growing attractiveness, alongside concerted destination development plans, such as Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, opening very soon. We are going to SATTE to support and showcase the destination in that sense and will hopefully get to meet prospective new partners within the travel trade sector."

ABOUT ABU DHABI TOURISM & CULTURE AUTHORITY
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.

For more information please contact:
Neil Carney
Destination Communication Manager,
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Tel: +971 2 4181432  
Email: NCarney@tcaabudhabi.ae

Mariam Al Sayed Al Hashmi
Marketing Communication Executive
Email:  mhashmi@tcaabudhabi.ae

© Press Release 2013