A total of 75 top-tier tour operators and six key media representatives from China will tour Abu Dhabi’s tourist attractions during the upcoming Chinese Visitor Summit, a key networking forum and conference for travel industry professionals.

The tour during the summit running from August 23 to 28 will feature a full day’s visits to Yas Island’s attractions including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  The tour will also include Yas Island’s seven hotels, including the five- star Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi.

“With the outbound travel market from China to Abu Dhabi anticipated to grow by almost 14 per cent over the next four years, we are responding to the demand by creating diverse packages for couples, families and groups and enhancing our facilities to ensure that Yas Island remains a top destination with Chinese tourists,” said Karim El Guanaini, vice president of Yas Island Destination Management.

“The tour of Yas Island will help us to ensure that leading tour operators know that a visit to Yas Island is an essential part of any visit to the UAE.”

According to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA), Chinese visitors accounted for around 39,000 hotel guests in 2013 in Abu Dhabi, a figure that was around 30 per cent higher than the previous year and continues to grow.

In April 2014 alone, Abu Dhabi saw growth from China drive guest performance to a staggering 309 per cent increase on the previous year, further highlighting the growing impact of Chinese travellers on the Emirate’s travel industry.

The Chinese Visitor Summit is being organised by Nicholas Publishing International (NPI) in partnership with the Shanghai-based i2i Group and backed by the TCA.  The Summit takes place during the TCA’s Abu Dhabi Summer Season – three mega months of entertainment running from June 5 until August 31.

The UAE capital brings together the best in blockbuster theatre, international ballet shows, film & theatre premieres, music concerts, comedy nights, illusionists, contemporary circus spectaculars, live kids shows, and a host of locally-produced activities in hotels, malls and attractions. – TradeArabia News Service