Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has partnered with various stakeholders to host more than 50 leading GCC tour operators, destination management companies and travel professionals, in a major drive to boost regional tourism.

As part of the four-day programme, the delegation visited many of the emirate’s top attractions, including Yas Island, Yas Marina Circuit, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Emirates Palace hotel, Arabian Nights, St Regis Abu Dhabi.

They also visited top theme parks - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and YasWaterworld; and Monte Carlo Beach Club and the capital’s latest high-end retail destination, The Galleria at Sowwah Square.

“We have seen some good hotel guest numbers from the GCC in the first eight months of this year, with across-the-board increases, yet we are far from where we want to be, and we know we have all the right ingredients to be front of mind for GCC travellers when choosing their holiday destination,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of Promotions and Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi.

According to TCA Abu Dhabi figures, the emirate welcomed 120,037 GCC hotel guests in the first eight months of the year, up 17 per cent as compared to the same period in 2012. Guest nights rose 19 per cent over the same eight month period year-on-year.

“Yas Island’s continuing evolution as a leading entertainment and lifestyle destination, plus our huge diversity of hotels, apartments and resorts – from desert to sea to city – that are both affordable and cater to every demand as well as more cultural and entertainment attractions put us in a strong position,” added Al Nuaimi.

“Furthermore with the likes of the Fifa Under -17 World Cup, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, which have strong regional appeal and are being supported by robust travel packaging options, we should see solid uptake for these events from neighbouring countries.” - TradeArabia News Service