11 June 2015

Hala Abu Dhabi, the professional conference organiser (PCO) and destination management company (DMC) of Etihad Airways, has become a member of the prestigious International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

ICCA represents the leading global specialists which organise, transport and accommodate international meetings and events, and is made up from nearly 1,000 member companies and organisations in over 90 countries worldwide.

ICCA members represent the top destinations worldwide, and the most experienced specialist suppliers. In order to become an ICCA accredited organisation, Hala Abu Dhabi had to meet distinct criteria including the organisation of at least five international association meetings.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Membership of ICCA will strengthen Abu Dhabi's position in the global MICE market, raising awareness about the wealth of venues and services in the UAE's capital.

"With a strong track-record in the MICE industry, having managed events like the World Economic Forum, the Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council, the Annual Convention of the German Tourism Association DRV, Hala Abu Dhabi has established itself as one of the leading PCOs in the region."

ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, communication channels, and business development opportunities. It is the only association that comprises a membership representing the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events.

By joining the ICCA network, Hala Abu Dhabi becomes part of the world's leading provider of MICE solutions which includes flights, visa processing, accommodation, venue selection, technical advice, delegate transportation, in-house operated pre- and post-tours, tailored incentives, full convention planning or ad hoc services.

Mr Baumgartner added: "The international association meetings market is recognised as one of the most resilient and dynamic sectors of the industry and Abu Dhabi is now regarded as one of the world's most exciting new destinations for corporate conferences and events.

"Hala Abu Dhabi's ICCA membership therefore represents a considerable opportunity for growing the MICE sector in Abu Dhabi and beyond."

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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2014 carried 14.8 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 116 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 69 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and eight Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia, and is in the process of formalising an equity investment in Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.  For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

About Hala Abu Dhabi
Established in 2010, Hala Abu Dhabi is wholly owned by Etihad Airways and sits within the Commercial Division of the airline. As both a Professional Conference Organizer (PCO) and Destination Management Company (DMC), Hala Abu Dhabi offers complete event and leisure planning services, delivered by a team of multilingual MICE experts - from venue sourcing and delegate registration right through to production and service delivery by its in-house team.

By delivering customised add-ons, which include flights, visa processing, accommodation, in-house operated tours & safaris with multi-lingual male and female tour guides, Hala Abu Dhabi provides MICE organizers with a One-Stop-Shop solution.

The dedicated multilingual MICE, Sports and FIT teams are dedicated to service the inbound markets with the appropriate language skills, experience and expertise to deliver the best-in-class ground experience to your guests. Hala Abu Dhabi aims to provide its clients with international expertise to ensure that Abu Dhabi is the number one choice for their next meeting, incentive, conference, sporting event or team building exercise. For more information on Hala Abu Dhabi please visit www.halaabudhabi.com

© Press Release 2015