Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), the UAE's leading diversified hotel, tourism, transport and catering company, will project Abu Dhabi's strides toward becoming a premier travel, tourism and hospitality destination at the ITB-Berlin this year.

ITB-Berlin is the world's leading travel trade show which will be held from March 11 to 15.

ADNH’s participation at the key travel industry fair is part of the company’s commitment to help boost tourism in the emirate particularly during the current economic climate, said Saif Mohammed Al Hajeri, ADNH chairman.

“Abu Dhabi still remains the favoured destination in the Middle East by many Europeans. Last year, Europeans represent 16 per cent of the 1.6 million travellers to the UAE capital, a good 26 per cent increase over 2007 despite the economic slowdown which started in 2008,” he pointed out.

“We expect to strengthen tourism inflow by highlighting the projects that are currently underway in Abu Dhabi, such as the Formula One circuit in Yas Island, which opens this year,” he added.

At the show, ADNH will showcase its prestigious projects in Abu Dhabi – the Italian-themed resort and spa to be operated by Marriott International, and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island. Both are expected to open by 2010.

The company will also feature its business hotel at Abu Dhabi's Capital Centre which is slated for completion by 2011.

In addition, ADNH will introduce its two newly-opened hotels in the northern emirates - Al Diar Barsha Hotel Apartments in Dubai and Siji Hotel Apartments in Fujairah - and the soon to open Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

ADNH will also highlight its diversified hospitality services through its four subsidiaries – Al Diar Hotels, Sunshine Tours, Al Ghazal Transport and ADNH Compass.

The ADNH stand at the prestigious international show will be a part of ADTA’s pavilion, said the official.

At the show, ADNH will support ADTA's efforts to promote the UAE capital as a premier tourism destination, impressing upon visitors from different parts of the world that the group is fully geared to meeting all needs of discerning world travellers, ranging from excellent hotel accommodation to tour operations and world-class cuisines.

Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, chairman of ADNH will head the company delegation comprising Richard Riley, CEO; Hamad Bin Khalaf Al Otaiba, assistant director general, Business Development and Sales and Marketing; Khalfan Al Shamsi, Marketing & Public Relations manager and in charge of Sunshine Tours; and  Alaa Mostafa, director of Hotels Operations.

The delegation will also be accompanied by the general managers of Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Sheraton Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, Al Diar Hotels and Sunshine Tours.-TradeArabia News Service