Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is heading this week for its third showing at SATTE in New Delhi – India’s largest travel trade fair – with a pavilion which is 80 per cent larger than last year.

 

The authority and nine key stakeholders are taking part in the fair as India proves to be the emirate’s second largest overseas source market for hotel guests – just behind the UK, a statement said.

 

“The growth in Indian hotel guests has achieved double-digit levels throughout the past year and, if current growth trends continue, it is feasible that the country will overtake the UK as our largest international hotel guest market within 12 months,” said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, international promotions manager, TCA Abu Dhabi.

 

“We have achieved this growth through testing the waters in India via road shows and trade fairs and now with full-time, on-the-ground representation, we foresee a substantial increase in Indian visitation given the destination has the luxury, family and events offering which appeal to this market.”

 

Joining the authority at SATTE are: leading DMC Emirates Tours & Safari LLC; Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Hotels & Resorts; the UAE’s award-winning national carrier Etihad Airways which flies from nine Indian destinations; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest indoor theme park with the world’s fastest rollercoaster; the four-star Aloft Abu Dhabi which adjoins Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; the five-star, beachfront Jumeirah at Etihad Towers; the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit – home to the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; the instantly recognizable Big Bus Tours and the five-star InterContinental Abu Dhabi ,which has undergone huge beachfront upgrades and refurbishment.

 

Big Bus Tours says the Indian market is so important to it that it now offers recorded commentary in Hindi – one of 10 languages it makes available to guests.

 

“Indians are one of the top 10 nationalities opting to get onboard Big Bus Tours and we want to increase this market share,” said a company spokesperson.

 

“At SATTE we would like to meet general sales agents to cover the Indian market and sell Big Bus tickets against commission, by contract or ticket purchase on The Big Bus Tours website.”

 

The landmark Jumeirah at Etihad Towers has India’s outbound MICE segment firmly in its sights.

 

“We will focus on business and MICE travel as well as the leisure segments in India because they appreciate luxury hospitality and gourmet experiences and these will be the mainstay of our efforts in the Indian market in 2013,” said Doris Greif, general manager, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. – TradeArabia News Service