Abu Dhabi looks to expand CIS footprint
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Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is at making headway in the CIS market with a planned roadshow this month. The event will be held in Almaty in Kazakhstan and, for the first time, Baku in Azerbaijan.
Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director, promotions and overseas offices, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) said: “We have identified a burgeoning appetite for the destination within the market which could deliver significant returns if it is nurtured.”
The first seven months of this year have witnessed a number of Azeris checking into Abu Dhabi’s accommodation. There was a growth of 16% with guest nights rising 30% and length-of-stay expanding by 12%.
“The figures remain small – only 788 Azeris came so far this year but they stay, on average, for a healthy 4.39 nights,” explained Al Nuaimi.
As per statistics, the Azeris spending, according to the country’s Centre for Economic and Social Development, is about US$3 billion a year – US$400 million of which goes on shopping.
“The country has an established outbound tourism infrastructure with 140 local tour operators and great MICE potential,” explained Al Nuaimi.
The Abu Dhabi delegation includes Emirates Palace, Al Ain Zoo, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi and Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC.
From January to July this year, 5,765 Kazakhs stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and resorts, which is almost the same as for the first seven months of 2013. However, while the numbers remain somewhat static – room nights delivered by the Kazakh guests went up 11% to 19,149 with them staying, on average, 3.32 nights.
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