Abu Dhabi aims to be No 1 destination for Indians


Mumbai, Aug 31 (PTI): As more and more Indians are flocking to the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Tourism is stepping up its efforts to become the number one destination for visitors from the country, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) said.

"India is one of the leading source markets for Abu Dhabi. Between January-June 2014, 1,07,995 Indian guests visited Abu Dhabi, clocking a growth of 35 per cent over the same period last year. These guests delivered 4,08,862 guest nights at a growth rate of 22 per cent over the same period last year. We are targeting to become the number one destination for Indians by the end of this year," Bejan Dinshaw, Country Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi, India told PTI here.

He said, Abu Dhabi is an interesting combination of historic, cultural as well as modern offering.

"Abu Dhabi is home to the charms of the Yas Island entertainment hub, Saadiyat Island cultural district, the historic Al Ain oasis and the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort luxury oasis.

The response from the Indian market has been encouraging as we continue with our marketing and promotional activities encompassing the trade and consumers to drive numbers to Abu Dhabi," he added.

For US-bound travellers Abu Dhabi provides hassle-free US immigration at the airport.

"We started this facility to tap those Indians travelling to the US to visit family and friends or on business purpose to halt here and spend some time. We introduced this facility at the beginning of this year, which helped in enhancing the number of Indians visiting Abu Dhabi," he said.

The connectivity is also very important for the growth in tourism and therefore, Abu Dhabi will put in more efforts to connect to more and more Indian cities, Dinshaw said.

"We understand that more connectivity will result into more visitors. So taking this forward, Abu Dhabi will have direct flights from Kolkata from February 2015. We will continue with our efforts to connect with more and more Indian cities," he said.

At present, Etihad operates 112 flights every week from 10 Indian cities to Abu Dhabi.

Etihad also has a code-share agreement with Indian carrier Jet Airways, servicing a total of 71 routes.

Abu Dhabi is targeting high to mid-segment travellers from India, including honeymooners, families and young travellers with its famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques, Yas Island that offers multiple entertainment attractions, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld.

The Jean Nouvel-designed Louvre Abu Dhabi will open next year, followed a year later by the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2017, he said.

"We have promoted well in metro cities till now. From this year, we are planning to penetrate deeper into the country by promoting in Tier-II and III cities," Dinshaw added.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Jacob Mendonsa, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Having lived & worked in Abu Dhabi for 30 years, I really miss this beautiful Capital City of U.A.E.

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Max and Jessie Rasquinha, Mangalore, Houston/Dallas, Texas

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    The HISTORY, CULTURE and AMENITIES is the KEY for Abu Dhabi as an Oil rich State to promote travel and tourism to their God blessed country that has abundant resources to promote further travel and tourism in order to make their presence felt in this "small world, a beautiful world".

    Abu Dhabi has always proved to be friendly and courteous to all the foreigners, particularly Indians, that visited Abu Dhabi for work, business or tourism. Even during the era of Sheikh Shaqbouth, Abu Dhabi has been generous to all the expatriates by even giving free property to build places of worship.

    United Arab Emirates and India have had close ties for centuries. We understand that when Vasco da Gama was heading towards India in the 16th century his diesel driven motor boat got into engine problems and he stopped in Fujaira for his boat repairs. Upon completion of the repairs Vasco da Gama wanted to know the right direction to go to India and he took with him local native Arab sailors and reached Calicut. These Arab sailors then preferred to stay behind in Calicut where they created many more generations. This is one of the history and psychology as well as reality that both U.A.E. and India cherish the most that we should not forget. In fact we need to capitalize on this fact for further expansion of our mutual relations.

    Travel and Tourism should therefore enhance further our relations between India and Abu Dhabi. We must encourage Abu Dhabians also to come to India and witness some of their resources in our Educational, Industrial, Medical and Economical disciplines and ventures so that their investment is safe and so also their mutual friendship and relations with India.

    Assalam Aleqhum.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Samir, US

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Max and Jessie Rasquinha ..
    Vasco Dal Gama had diesel engine boat in 16th century? Where did you get this from?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Steven, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Vasco Da Gama. Kiska Mama ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Subhash Chandra, Abu Dhabi

    Mon, Sep 01 2014

    SERIOUSLY DIESEL DRIVEN BOAT IN 16TH CENTURY ? ARE U KIDDING ? Rudolf Diesel Invented a basic diesel engine in 19th century.get u r facts right pal.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, katapadi/Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 31 2014

    Abu Dhabi is rich in oil reserves and one of the richest country in the UAE.Lot of Indians do work in Abu Dhabi in big posts and also have leading businessmen from India.It is a centre of attraction to those visit from India to UAE.Hope Indians will top the visitors in the days to come.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse


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