Abu Dhabi delves into North America market
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The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has been exploring the untapped potential of the North American market. 
This was in line with the launch of Etihad Airways’ daily non-stop flights to Washington DC in March 2013 and increased on-ground trade engagement and promotional activities by Abu Dhabi in North America. This has resulted in a strong uptake in the emirate attracting US visitors wherein seven of the USA’s top tour operators visiting the destination.
“Simply put, more air access to Abu Dhabi from the US is going to spur increased interest, and with options to get there from major hubs of New York, Chicago and soon to be Washington DC is going to be extremely helpful in selling the destination,” said Nicole Beattie, destination manager of Cox & Kings, which has offices across North America.
This is an eight-day comprehensive tour, which is being jointly organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways bringing in seven strong travel professionals.
Abu Dhabi has welcomed 58,574 US hotel guests in the first nine months of this year, with September alone seeing a 19 percent increase in US hotel guests over the same month in 2011. It makes the US the sixth largest inbound market for Abu Dhabi in 2012.
