The annual Al Dhafra Festival, which runs in Abu Dhabi’s Al Gharbia (Western Region) every December and is famed for its camel beauty contest, is being actively promoted to Europe’s tourism industry.

The four-star Tilal Liwa Hotel, which is managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, has teamed up with the UAE’s Holiday Moments and L’Tur, a European tour operator to market the festival, which will run from December 15 to 28.

“We have begun marketing the event in Germany and five other European countries via L’tur Last Minute’s newsletters, press releases, social blogs and advertisement in all the 180 L’tur travel shops across the continent,” said Ayman Ashor, general manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel.

“We believe the unique heritage offering of the festival will resonate well with the German market in particular where travellers prove early adopters to off-the-beaten track experiences.”

Agents from the L’tur network visited Abu Dhabi on a trip co-organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) earlier this year, to familiarise themselves with the destination, said a statement.

“They were impressed and pleasantly surprised by what they found,” said RadekStrejcek, managing director, Holiday Moments.

“They were particularly taken with Abu Dhabi’s cultural offering which prompted this initiative. This year’s package will feature three nights at Tilal Al Liwa with an extension either at the five-star Al Raha Beach Hotel and Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island.”

The festival has dedicated special shows for 'Asayel' (pedigree) and 'Majahim' (dark-skinned) camels, and the unique 'camel beauty contest'. It also features a traditional souq, a camel auction and various contests for traditional handicrafts, poetry, date packaging and photography. - TradeArabia News Service