November 5, 2012

Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) have launched an innovative joint initiative to promote and sell the emirate as a leading leisure destination to the world. As the UAE's national airline and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority work as one, 'Access Abu Dhabi' gives international trade partners an entirely new opportunity to sell the emirate to their international client base, providing arguably one of the world's most exciting new tourism 'hotspots'.

The new programme, which is unique in its approach, will provide the opportunity for national and international trade partners to benefit from 'Preferred Incentive Packages' which will include dedicated marketing support, dedicated sales support, along with joint road-shows and familiarisation programmes.

At a time of rising interest in Abu Dhabi on the global arena, 'Access Abu Dhabi' gives inbound trade partners a one-stop solution to secure the best terms and support for their annual land and air arrangements to Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates in the UAE and home to the country's capital.

Having recently undergone significant development across all segments of its tourism infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is now better placed than ever to meet the industry's highest aspirations, leaving them equipped to deliver inspirational results.

With headline attractions, stunning new resorts, a re-energised commitment to service and delivery excellence, the destination has entered a new era of maturity with an industry eager and ready to carve a niche for itself and deliver beyond client expectations.

TCA Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways will work together with wholesalers and tour operator partners to provide fast and tailored solutions for the increasing opportunities for the expanding emirate. 'Access Abu Dhabi' provides marketing support from both TCA Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways, who will work in partnership with many of the world's leading destination management companies that service the UAE.

Commenting on the launch of 'Access Abu Dhabi', HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: "This new product demonstrates our commitment to our important travel partners and to helping them develop the increasing opportunities held out by our expanding tourism infrastructure and proposition."

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "This partnership further demonstrates our confidence that Abu Dhabi is recognized as an exciting travel destination - complete with world class hotels and attractions.  We are proud to be coming together with TCA Abu Dhabi as close partners in this venture, showcasing Abu Dhabi and our airline to the world."

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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 86 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, with a fleet of 67 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and over 90 aircraft on firm order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) 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.

TCA Abu Dhabi 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 contact:
Barbara Saunders
Senior Communication Adviser
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority
Tel:  +971 2 418 12 48
Email:  bsaunders@tcaabudhabi.ae

Tom Clarke
Corporate Communications
Etihad Airways
Tel: +971 2 511 10 36
Email: media@etihad.ae

© Press Release 2012