Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), in partnership with the iconic Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel, hosted a three-day exploration trip around the emirate for 12 Dammam-based outbound tour operators.

They were taken to a variety of luxury accommodations as well as the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Ferrari theme park.

“Ferrari World is a fantastic destination for families. The kids will be happy and the adults will also have lots to do,” said Muhammad Shoib, from the Zahid Travel Group. “In fact the whole of Abu Dhabi is attractive to the Saudi Arabian market. Families will feel more comfortable here – and there is so much to see and do. The destination – especially the attractions on Yas Island – will also be very popular with Dammam’s ex-pat population.”

The group also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as Yas Waterworld and five-star hotels such as the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Park Rotana and the Emirates Palace – one of the world’s most opulent hotels.

 “We are now creating packages that include different options of hotels on Yas Island and in Abu Dhabi city with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and other activities specifically for families,” said Naser Al Nasr, general manager at Nesma Travel and Tourism.

Across the GCC, Saudi Arabia currently accounts for the most guests, guest nights and average length of stay in Abu Dhabi with the kingdom being the emirate’s eighth most productive international source market.

In the first six months of the year guests from Saudi Arabia increased by 21 per cent compared to 2013, rising to 48,708, with guest nights increasing by 17 per cent over the same time period to 106,533. – TradeArabia News Service