Abu Dhabi targets the Saudi market
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Abu Dhabi recently welcomed a delegation of tour operators from Saudi Arabia in an awareness campaign highlighting the destination’s attractions. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) in partnership with Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel hosted a three-day exploration trip for 12 Dammam-based outbound tour operators.
The group was also provided a tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as Yas Waterworld and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Park Rotana and Emirates Palace.
Naser Al Nasr, general manager at Nesma Travel and Tourism said: “Around four percent of my business is currently to Abu Dhabi, but by the end of the year we believe we can grow that to around 10%. We are now creating packages that include different options of hotels on Yas Island and in Abu Dhabi city with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and other activities specifically for families.”
Across the GCC, Saudi Arabia currently accounts for the most guests, guest nights and average length of stay in Abu Dhabi with the Kingdom being the emirate’s eighth most productive international source market. In the first six months of this year guests from Saudi Arabia increased by 21% compared to 2013, rising to 48,708, with guest nights increasing by 17% over the same time period to 106,533.
“While guest numbers are up, average length of stay is only 2.19 nights and we feel the destination has so much to offer now that we can convince travellers from the Kingdom to stay longer,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director promotions and overseas offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.
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